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IFES and UNDP to Expand Collaboration in Electoral Practices

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Memorandum of Understanding signed to promote information-sharing, research, knowledge, and training in support of electoral practices globally

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance electoral practices around the world. The enhanced collaboration will promote inclusive, credible electoral processes across borders while fostering good and accountable governance institutions.

The agreement will focus on the following areas of cooperation:

  • Information: Sharing of information related to electoral processes, with special emphasis on technical assistance activities and improved efficiency.
  • Research and Thought Leadership: Launching research, joint publications and cooperation in undertaking events to advance electoral practices and promote inclusive, accountable, cost-effective and responsive governance institutions.
  • Knowledge: Building know-how of electoral processes and contributing to the community of practice by further developing the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, an online knowledge repository that provides comprehensive information and customized advice on electoral processes.
  • Training: Promoting professionalism, ownership and capacity development of election stakeholders through the management of the modular learning program Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE).

“Given our mutual interest in the development of sound electoral practices and good governance in all countries, this agreement will advance the understanding of electoral cycles and processes and will also serve to magnify the potential impact of our work globally,” said Bill Sweeney, IFES President and CEO.

“This agreement strengthens our joint effort to ensure that our support to credible and inclusive electoral processes worldwide is based on cutting edge knowledge, effective and adequate capacity development tools and learning,” stated Magdy Martínez-Solimán, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.

IFES and the UNDP established a supportive relationship in 1995, which led to an agreement in 2000 to cooperate in areas such as democratic governance, traditionally disadvantaged populations (women and youth), civil society, rule of law, elections and political processes. The organizations have worked together on country-specific, regional and global programs.

Together, IFES and UNDP bring more than 80 years of solid expertise in democracy promotion as well as development work that has had an impact in over 145 countries. This valuable electoral know-how will be shared among both institutions that are jointly committed to undertaking new initiatives.

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As the global leader in democracy promotion, IFES advances good governance and democratic rights by providing technical assistance to election officials; empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process; and applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle. Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries, from developing democracies, to mature democracies. For more information, visit www.IFES.org.

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.undp.org

CONTACT:

IFES: Daniela Colaiacovo, dcolaiacovo@ifes.org, +1 (202) 350-6802
UNDP: Sangita Khadka, sangita.khadka@undp.org, +1 212 906 5043