Engaging Future Voters

December 02, 2011

The conversation will begin with a brief presentation on IFES’ youth initiatives in the Philippines and Afghanistan. Participants from attending organizations will then be invited to share their own experiences working with young people and increasing their participation in democratic processes.

IFES Experts Present on Electoral Violence and Political Finance Reform

October 17, 2011

Two IFES election specialists participated in the United Nations Development Programme's Asian Electoral Regional Community of Practice Meeting, held in Manila on 26-28 September.

Civil Society

Kenya, Philippines Share Lessons in Election Technology and Management

August 18, 2011

Four IIEC officials travelled to the Philippines to learn about that country’s experience implementing nationwide electronic voting and voter registration systems.

Voting Technology, Election Management

Opening Doors

August 10, 2011

15 out of every 100 persons in the world, or 978 million people, live with a disability. Since 1997, IFES has taken a leading role to ensure persons with disabilities can fully participate in civic and political life. Learn more about our work.

People with Disabilities

Increasing Access for Southeast Asians with Disabilities

May 12, 2011

IFES is leading an effort to improve access to political and electoral opportunities for people with disabilities in Indonesia and throughout Southeast Asia.

People with Disabilities, Elections

IFES Election Monitoring Partner in the Philippines Launches TV Show

February 04, 2011

LENTE (Legal Network for Truthful Elections)—the first nationwide network of lawyers, law students, paralegals and other trained volunteers set up by various non-partisan groups engaged in election monitoring work in the Philippines—has launched its own talk show in the Philippines’ Destiny Cable's GNN channel 8.

Elections, Election Observation

Two Publications on Campaign Finance in the Philippines Presented to COMELEC

January 10, 2011

The Pera at Pulitika (PAP) 2010 Consortium presented to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) En Banc two new publications on campaign spending during the May 2010 elections.

Political Finance, Civil Society

IFES CEO and VP Attend the Carter Center’s Anniversary Meeting

October 15, 2010

Bill Sweeney, IFES president and CEO, and Michael Svetlik, IFES vice-president for programs, participated at the Carter Center’s 5th Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. The meeting, which took place on October 13-14, 2010, marked the 5th anniversary of the endorsement of the Declaration of Principles at the United Nations – a critical milestone and an opportunity to continue to advance the field of international election observation.

Democracy Assistance, Elections, Governance, Election Observation, Election Procedures

Commemorating Democracy Day

September 15, 2010

Three years ago, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 15th as the International Day of Democracy. The preamble of the resolution affirmed that:

"while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region...
democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life."

Civil Society, Democracy Assistance

Commemorating Democracy Day

September 15, 2010

September 15, the International Day of Democracy, gives us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to vote and to partake in our country’s political affairs. It is also a good time to remember that for many around the world, the right to vote is hard fought and elusive.

This photo gallery consists of images from around the world that capture the spirit and struggle for democracy.

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society