Although 15 percent of the world has some form of disability, this population encounters many barriers to equal participation in political life. IFES believes that democracy can only flourish when all citizens can contribute to their communities. The images in this photo gallery demonstrate some of the ways countries around the world have increased access to the electoral system.
Photo Gallery
28 Nov 2012
The 2012 U.S. Election Program, held November 4-7, brought together election management officials, elected representatives, diplomats and members of the international development community from more than 60 countries to witness and learn about the electoral process in the United States.
20 Nov 2012
On November 18, 2012 Honduras saw the first primary elections since the 2009 coup d’état. For many citizens, the elections represented the normalization and restoration of the country’s political system and its continued path toward democracy. These images provide a look into this important Election Day.
17 Oct 2012
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees all individuals the freedom to partake in their nation’s government and political processes, including elections. Yet, many individuals around the world face barriers to full participation due to social, ethnic and economic inequalities.
13 Sep 2012
IFES' 2012 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards dinner was held in Washington, D.C., on September 11. Current and former U.S. elected officials, members of the diplomatic corps, colleagues and friends gathered to honor this year's award recipients: Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.), Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) and women's advocate Maimuna Mwidau of Kenya.
12 Sep 2012
Stakeholders gather to discuss electoral, management and logistical issues from recent election.
10 Sep 2012
In 1987, IFES began assisting election management bodies across the globe deliver better elections to their citizens. Twenty-five years later, we have worked with stakeholders in every aspect of the electoral cycle in over 135 countries. This photo gallery celebrates IFES' 25 proudest moments from around the world.
9 Aug 2012
International Youth Day, commemorated every year on August 12, provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of young persons around the world to their countries' democratic systems.
17 Jul 2012
On July 7, 2012, Libya took a major step on its path to democracy when it conducted elections for General National Congress, the body that is replacing the current unelected National Transitional Council. Despite dealing with a short timeframe to implement the poll and a challenging security environment, the event was considered a success.
22 Jun 2012
Digital ballot readers, electronic results transmission systems and SMS messaging to inform the electorate can help countries streamline and improve the electoral process.