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New Assessment of Violence Against Women in Elections in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold general elections on July 30, which may be the foundation for a new political era. Violence Against Women in Elections in Zimbabwe: An IFES Assessment demonstrates that deep-seated inequality and targeted violence against women in elections inhibit Zimbabwean women from taking full and equal part in this transformative moment. Setbacks at this critical juncture could echo for years or generations, entrenching political gender inequality in the “new Zimbabwe.”
July 24, 2018
Publication
Electoral Assessment
Violence Against Women in Elections and the Representation of Women in Haitian Politics
The reasons for women's weak representation in Haitian politics are deeply rooted in social norms and the widespread incidence of violence against women in elections (VAWE), which the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) defines as "any harm or threat of harm committed against women with the intent and/or impact of interfering with their free and equal participation in the electoral process during the electoral period." Oftentimes, VAWE is subtle and more indirect than physical attacks against voters and candidates, but it nonetheless impacts women's interest and willingness to get involved in political processes and structures of governance. The threats and social stigmas they face are associated not only with the act of voting, but with many other activities that are a common part of a free and fair democratic experience. To document the nature and impact of VAWE in Haiti, IFES has produced Violence Against Women in Elections in Haiti: An IFES Assessment.
July 05, 2018
Publication
Report/Paper
Regional Director on “The Elections We Want” in Africa
As part of its annual report, the Wilson Center Africa Program asked IFES Regional Director for Africa Rushdi Nackerdien to contribute an essay on recent African elections. His piece, “The Elections We Want,” covered 2017 elections in Angola, Rwanda, Liberia, Senegal, the Gambia, and Kenya, and their implications for election practitioners moving forward.
January 31, 2018
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Burkina Faso: Partnership for Participation and Poise in Epic Polls
Burkina Faso’s political landscape changed dramatically on October 31, 2014, when President Blaise Compaoré stepped down after nearly three decades in power and fled the country. The 2015 elections offer an unprecedented opportunity for deepening citizen involvement in electoral and political processes, increasing citizens’ confidence in the integrity of voting processes and systems, and enabling young people to channel their new-found activism into peaceful political participation. The elections also carry considerable risk. Unless they are viewed as credible and their outcomes accepted as a legitimate expression of popular choice, alienated citizens, in particular energized young people, could be compelled to reject political processes they deem illegitimate or unfair.
January 28, 2015
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Guinea: Support Political and Electoral Processes
Guinea held a legislative election on September 28, 2013, after six years of delays attributable to a variety of factors, including a military coup d’état. This election, despite being preceded by a series of violent demonstrations, was conducted peacefully, and was widely considered a positive step in Guinea’s democratic transition. Challenges persist, however, that must be addressed prior to the presidential election that is currently scheduled to take place in 2015. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) continues to struggle to demonstrate the institutional and operational capacity necessary to administer elections in a credible and transparent manner and the promotion of electoral reform is further inhibited by a generally weak understanding among citizens of democratic principles, electoral processes, and decentralization.
January 28, 2015
Publication
Report/Paper
Post-Disaster Assessment on the Feasibility of Organizing Free and Fair Elections in Haiti
During the months of March and April 2010, IFES conducted a technical assessment of Haiti’s capacity to hold elections. The Post-Disaster Assessment on the Feasibility of Organizing Free and fair Elections in Haiti, a report commissioned by USAID, is now available.
April 29, 2010
Publication
Report/Paper
Post-Earthquake Constitutional Analysis of the Interruption of the Legislative and Executive Powers in Haiti
Due to the earthquake on January 12, 2010, elections for the members of the House of Representatives and one third of the Senate scheduled for February 28 and April 4, 2010, were canceled. As a result, Haiti will have no legislative power as of May 8, 2010. There will be a rupture in the constitutional order.
April 29, 2010
Publication
Report/Paper
Réflexion sur le système judiciaire de la République de Guinée à travers la Cour Suprême
La justice a un rôle important à jouer dans toute société qui veut construire la démocratie afin d’améliorer les conditions de vie et de travail de ses citoyens et sauvegarder leurs droits reconnus par la constitution et les conventions internationales ratifiées par la République de Guinée.
March 30, 2010
Publication
Report/Paper
Réflexions visant l’amélioration du cadre d’organisation et de fonctionnement de l’Assemblée Nationale de la République de Guinée
La République de Guinée, depuis décembre 1990 a pris option pour un mode d’organisation de sa société, fondé sur le libéralisme économique et politique. Le régime politique qui a été mis en place en Guinée dans le cadre de la Loi Fondamentale du 23 décembre 1990, renforcé par la Loi Constitutionnelle du 11 novembre 2001, est celui présidentiel avec une large prépondérance du Président de la République, Chef de l’Exécutif.
March 30, 2010
Publication
Report/Paper
Spending Limits as a Policy Option
Citizens in many countries are upset because they believe the current financing of politics (which involves corruption and under-the-table deals) is violating the basic democratic values of equal opportunity, transparency and accountability. One way to bring the funding of political parties and candidates into line with these values is to regulate campaign expenditures through spending limits. This is a viable option, but such limits must be designed and implemented with care.
June 29, 2007