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DRC Election 2006: Picture Box
One of the tools used by IFES’ local trainers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was the boîte à images, or picture box. The boîte contains 27 pictures that illustrate important concepts of democracy, free elections and civic responsibility after the polls.
Publication
Book
Political Finance in Post-Conflict Societies
This study of political finance in post-conflict society identifies lessons learned from international donor-funded efforts to support political processes in post-conflict environments in general and the funding of political parties and campaign finance in particular. The document consists of eight case studies that seek to improve our understanding not only of the political dynamics of post-conflict situations but also of how to rally international support for holding elections and supporting democratization under such circumstances.
April 30, 2006
Publication
Report/Paper
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Strengthening the Political Process during the Transition Period. May 26, 2005.
This report focuses on IFES efforts to strengthen the political process during the DRC’s transition period. The report details the creation and support of the Independent Electoral Council and IFES support provided to Congolese Civil Society.
May 25, 2005
Publication
Report/Paper
Lithuania: Money and Politics Case Study
Lithuania has rapidly developed both politically and economically since emerging from the Soviet Union in 1991. While the country has built a functioning parliamentary system of government, has become a member of NATO, and is on the verge of joining the European Union, it still faces many problems associated with the many consolidating democracies around the world. As in all democracies, populations need to trust that those they elect will represent their interests. Problems such as corruption, weaknesses in laws concerning the political financing, and unaccounted for political income and expenditures threaten the credibility of the process and hinder the speed at which democracy is consolidated. Additionally, Lithuania lacks the high level of vibrant debate about the issue of political financing among scholars, journalists and civil society bodies required to promote meaningful reform. Recognizing this, Lithuania has developed an independent Central Electoral Committee (CEC) and adopted laws requiring detailed and public disclosure of political finance accounts. Prior to conducting Money and Politics programming in Lithuania, the CEC had made a demonstrable interest in making information public. While scanning summary report of accounts and placing them on the internet, the user could not search, not easily compare and analyze the information. Interested parties were required to make an appointment to view more detailed, paper-based information. Further, while the Tax Authorities are required to audit final political party reports, enforcement is widely considered to be weak. Few, if any, cases of political finance violations have been forwarded and investigated, not to mention prosecuted. By addressing the difficult issues surrounding political finance with the support of IFES in 2002 and 2003, Lithuania is emerging as a model for other consolidating democracy to follow. Significant areas remain to be addressed. While Lithuania has taken concrete steps to reform political finance legislation, open political finance information to public scrutiny and oversight, and encourage debate, further efforts are required to actively enforce laws and regulations and raise the level of debate among the various governmental, legislative, and civil society groups. By addressing these areas, Lithuania has the potential for being an example of best practices while making local expertise and resources to other countries undergoing similar reforms.
December 31, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
IFES Bosnia and Herzegovina Voter Education and Civic Organizing Project, FINAL REPORT, Concerning USAID Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC)
This report summarizes IFES efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to spread and enhance voter education and civic organizing. The report details ho IFES urges citizens to realize the information and tools to engage in the political process; help them understand that they have a right and an obligation to demand government accountability; assist them to develop the skills and confidence to approach authorities; and counsel them through the process of seeing their needs met.” The report also details IFES Citizens' Guides for a number of municipalities, with the goal of completing one in each municipality where IFES has a presence. These guides explain local government structure and the responsibilities of each agency and official and provide the municipal budget and phone numbers to contact officials.
May 31, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Bosnia and Herzegovina Civic Education Program for 1999-2000
This report summarizes IFES efforts towards building a civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1999 and 2000. The report details the projects aims and methods for establishing and supporting civil society in BiH. The report includes information on pre-election voter education, student involvement, inter-ethnic civic leadership and training. Also included are brochures, meeting agendas and minutes and various other documents from the project.
December 31, 2000
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Les vertus de la non-violence
“Les vertus de la non-violence” is a report from June 2000, available in French, which focuses on non-violence and the importance of discussion and compromise in the process of conflict resolution. The document, published by the organization Medias pour la Paix, lists the benefits of non-violence in promoting peace and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Cours Sur la Democratie le Developpement et la Paix
“Cours Sur la Démocratie le Développement et la Paix” is a teaching guide from January 2000, available in French, which provides instructions for different activities that will promote democratic culture in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document, published with the help of IFES, lists several terms such as citizen, state, and elections then stages a discussion-based activity that will promote the understanding of how important the concept is to the development of democracy and peace.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Accord de Lusaka Pour un Cessez-le-Feu en Republique Democratique du Congo et Modalities de sa Mise en Oeuvre
“Accord de Lusaka Pour un Cessez-le-feu en République Democratique du Congo et Modalités de sa Mise en Œuvre” is a report, available in French and Swahili, from October 1999 outlining the agreement of Lusaka for a cease-fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document, created by LINELIT, asks for a stop to the hostilities, disarmament of all sides and parties, a national dialogue, and a re-establishment of an authority and administration.