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Report/Paper
Report of an Electoral Assessment and Planning Mission to Liberia: April 4-25, 2004
With the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Accra in August 2003, Liberians committed themselves to political, versus military, competition for the control of Liberia’s reconstruction. This commitment places added importance on the electoral process as the means through which the political competition will be carried out. The signatories to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement agreed to reform Liberia’s electoral system prior to the conduct of the 2005 elections. A major challenge, however, is how this electoral system can serve as a framework for political competition beyond 2005. In April 2004, IFES fielded a technical planning mission to examine the electoral environment and suggest a strategy for international support for the electoral process. Among the key findings were: 1. Liberians must be involved in all aspects of the process for the CPA-mandated October 2005 elections to leverage the maximum opportunity to bring the nation to a state of peaceful transition; 2. The electoral framework – detailing the legal provisions, the type of electoral system, the nature of the elections to be held, and other aspects of the electoral process – must be agreed upon no later than October 2004 to allow sufficient time for election preparations. Such a framework should be endorsed by Liberia’s stakeholders; 3. Timely, coordinated and robust international assistance at all stages and levels of the electoral process is necessary to create an environment for a successful outcome and to ensure that the best practices of transitional political processes are put into place; and 4. The international community will have to cover the majority of the cost of the elections, as well as provide considerable assistance to the resulting elected and appointed institutions responsible for Liberia’s reconstruction. This report contains recommendations for both the National Elections Commission (NEC) and its partners in the international community. Some of the key recommendations include: • To ensure that Liberian stakeholders are supportive of the electoral framework, that it meets Liberia’s needs and that it conforms to international standards, the process that leads to the establishment of the electoral framework must be perceived as inclusive and legitimate, while drawing on international best practices and principles. As such, it is recommended that fora be provided for NEC and Liberian political and civic actors to consider the various major issues. The international community should support the electoral reform process and provide technical assistance to facilitate the drafting of the resultant electoral framework. • International assistance will need to be provided to build the capacity of the National Elections Commission to organize and conduct the elections and to ensure the credibility of the electoral process. • The international community and the National Transitional Government of Liberia will need to provide timely and complete support to the elections budget. Any delays in the provision of financing and material will negatively impact the elections timeline. Once the electoral framework is finalized, the full costs for the elections will be known. However, priority at this point should be given to financing the NEC’s current personnel and operational costs, including the re-establishment of its presence in the counties, and voter education. • International assistance should support: o The administration of the elections: To support the conduct of a credible and efficient process through the provision of: i. A Chief Electoral Advisor and/or international members on the National Elections Commission to support the development of policy and procedures and the overall management of the electoral process; ii. Technical advisors to assist NEC headquarters and county offices in implementing the electoral framework; iii. Financial, material and logistical support. o The resolution of electoral disputes during all phases of the electoral process: To enable the timely arbitration and resolution of electoral disputes through the establishment of an Election Dispute Tribunal; and o Electoral participation: To promote a level political playing field and informed participation in the electoral process by Liberia’s citizens. International assistance should be well-timed and initiatives effectively coordinated to avoid duplication of effort and to maximize impact.
April 03, 2004
Election Material
Resolution
Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of Liberia and LURD and MODEL
Comprehensive Peace Agreement Between the Government of Liberia and the Liberians United for Reconcilation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) and Political Parties
Publication
Report/Paper
Democracy, Economy and Gender In Uganda: A Report of a National Sample Survey
In the run-up to Uganda's referendum of June 2000, a national survey was conducted of a representative cross-section of 2271 adult Ugandan citizens. The survey covered all four regions of the country (northern, eastern, central and western), including 36 of the 45 administrative districts. The purpose of the survey was to assess popular attitudes to democracy, economy, civil society and gender.
October 05, 2000
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
The Referendum (Political Systems) Act, 2000
The Referendum (Political Systems) Act, 2000
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Papers on Referendum, Politics and Religion
“Papers on Referendum, Politics and Religion” is a booklet that was written in 2000 by Micheal Kaggwa. The literature is composed of three papers: one on religion and politics, one on the referendum and its implication on Uganda’s political development and one on why supporters of political parties should participate in the referendum. The papers seek to enhance voter efficacy towards democratic values and to address the role of religion and religious leaders in Uganda’s political discourse.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Facts about the Referendum
“Facts about the Referendum” was published in 2000 in lead up to the national referendum on Uganda’s political system. The vote would determine whether Uganda would remain in its no-party “Movement” system or switch to a “Multi-Party” system or other form of democracy. This civic education booklet explains why the referendum is taking place, how the multi party and no party systems differ and how the actually process of voting takes place.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Guidelines for Accredited Monitors for the Referendum Slated for 29th June 2000
“Guideline for Accredited Monitors for the Referendum Slated for 29th June- 2000,” is a pamphlet published in 2000 during the lead up to that year’s referendum on Uganda’s political system. The pamphlet describes what the roles of the international observers will be in the 2000 elections. This includes verifying that the electoral process is carried out within the confines of the law and acting with impartiality as stewards of the election.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Guidelines for Civic Educators
“Guidelines for Civic Education” is a booklet that was published in 2000 in Uganda. The literature provides a guide for civic educators to teach the public about the upcoming referendum on Uganda’s political system. The booklet also enumerates possible educational methods, such as posters, that could be utilized to teach voters about the electoral process.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
National Elections Manual
The “National Elections Manual” is a booklet that was released in the year 2000 and is broken into two parts, one on civic education and one on voter education. The section on civic education defines citizenship, outlines the branches of the Ugandan government and discusses the link between the constitution and the people. Section two on voter education focuses on the registration of voters, the nomination of candidates the process of voting.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Challenges for Citizens
“Challenges for Citizens” is a booklet published in lead up to the 2000 Ugandan referendum. The literature urges citizens to take part in the electoral process by voting but also cautions that more work after the referendum will be needed to insure a fully functioning and free society. The piece also details the contents of the Ugandan Constitution and focuses on how a democratic state to function. Throughout the article Ugandans are urged to take an active role in their country’s democracy and electoral process.