Since 1997, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has supported the electoral process and civil society in Honduras. Throughout this time, IFES has conducted electoral assessments, electoral administration trainings, carried-out observation efforts and conferences on rule of law, and promoted greater inclusion of people with disabilities and other marginalized groups in the electoral process.

During the 2008-2009 electoral process, IFES provided technical assistance to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Honduras. IFES’ experts assisted the TSE with the development of the rapid transmission of preliminary results system, supported the development of training and electoral materials, and trained poll workers. It also conducted a pilot program in 112 polling stations to ensure accommodations and assistance were provided to people with disabilities.

Throughout the 2012-2013 electoral process, IFES continued to work to improve the capacity of the TSE to administer elections by:

• Providing technical advice and support to the TSE to develop and implement its general elections plan;
• Assisting in the implementation of the transmission of election results;
• Conducting a pilot program to monitor and coordinate electoral security efforts in the Department of Cortes;
• Conducting a mass voter education campaign to inform voters about the mechanics of the voting process, and promoting peaceful elections.

Furthermore, in the post-election period, IFES facilitated a number of strategic planning workshops which led to the development of short-, mid- and long-term plans to modernize and update the operations of the electoral authorities.