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Brochure/Fact Sheet
Liberia Elections and Political Transition
While post-conflict elections relied heavily on international technical and financial assistance, Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) oversaw the general elections in 2005 and 2011 with decreasing levels of international technical assistance, and both elections were widely deemed as credible. Despite these successes, however, the NEC faces challenges as opposition parties often express doubts about the body being independent and non-partisan.
January 28, 2015
News & Updates
Feature
Liberians Vote in Delayed Special Senate Elections
Originally slated for October 14, 2014, Liberia's special senatorial elections were moved to December 20 due to the Ebola outbreak. Amid this public health crisis, Liberians headed to the polls to elect half of the country's 30-member Senate. With the State of Emergency imposed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expiring in November, the conduct of this election was an important marker of the progress made in the fight against Ebola. Four different teams from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) deployed to the counties of Montserrado, Bomi, Margibi and Grand Bassa in central Liberia to witness the vote.
Election FAQ
Elections in Liberia: 2014 Special Senatorial Elections
Originally slated for October 14, 2014, Liberia's special senatorial elections were moved to December 20 due to the Ebola outbreak. Amid this public health crisis, Liberians will head to the polls to elect half of the country's 30-member Senate. With the state of emergency imposed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expiring in November, the conduct of this election will be an important marker of the progress made in the fight against Ebola.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
IFES Q&A with Former Senior Program Manager Laurie Cooper
A former Senior Program Manager at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Laurie Cooper specializes in conflict resolution and the rule of law. Most recently, she was Chief of Party for the Liberia Land Conflict Resolution Project. In this post, she discusses her time at IFES, the Ebola crisis in Liberia and positive trends for sustainable democracy.
News & Updates
Press Release
IFES Alarmed With Criminal Charges against Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado
WASHINGTON — (December 2, 2014) — The following is a statement by Bill Sweeney, President and CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), regarding an order issued by the Venezuelan Attorney General’s office forcing local opposition leader and 2014 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award winner Maria Corina Machado to appear before prosecutors on December 3 to answer charges related to an alleged plot to kill President Nicolas Maduro.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES’ Fifth Annual Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards Dinner
On October 1, 2014, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) hosted the fifth annual Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards dinner. This year’s awardees included Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). IFES also honored Board of Directors Chairman Peter Kelly and Vice Chair William Hybl, who are stepping down from their leadership responsibilities after decades of service to not only IFES, but to the causes of freedom and democracy.
News & Updates
Feature
Celebrating the 2014 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards Dinner
On October 1, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) celebrated its fifth annual Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards with a gala dinner and ceremony at the Washington, D.C. Marriott at Metro Center. This ceremony brings diverse groups of domestic and international leaders together who share a belief in advancing good governance and democratic rights by empowering and encouraging active citizen participation.
IFES presents the awards annually to three individuals who embody the character and spirit of former U.S. Ambassador and IFES Board of Directors Chairman Charles T. Manatt. This year’s honorees were Venezuelan opposition leader and Congresswoman Maria Corina Machado, Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). Machado was unable to attend in person due to an order by the Venezuelan government not to leave the country. Her son Henrique Sosa Machado and the former President of Colombia, Andres Pastrana, accepted the award on her behalf.
IFES presents the awards annually to three individuals who embody the character and spirit of former U.S. Ambassador and IFES Board of Directors Chairman Charles T. Manatt. This year’s honorees were Venezuelan opposition leader and Congresswoman Maria Corina Machado, Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). Machado was unable to attend in person due to an order by the Venezuelan government not to leave the country. Her son Henrique Sosa Machado and the former President of Colombia, Andres Pastrana, accepted the award on her behalf.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES 2014 Democracy Awards Dinner: Maria Corina Machado Acceptance Message
In a recorded message, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado accepted the 2014 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award and discussed the state of democracy in Venezuela.
News & Updates
Feature
Ebola in Liberia: Its Effect on Governance and Democracy
Ebola’s destructive path in West Africa has not only displaced communities and people but has exacerbated the strain facing already weak institutions and governance. The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) hosted panel discussion on the key structural and governance issues that have been underscored by the current Ebola crisis in Liberia. The panelist provided keen insights into the complex and evolving situation. IFES Senior Program Manager for Africa Matthew Parry spoke about the challenges facing the pending elections and the role civil society can play to increase awareness about Ebola.
News & Updates
Press Release
Health Crisis in West Africa Erodes Peace and Democratization Efforts
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is deeply concerned about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. This health crisis has resulted in more than 1,350 reported deaths so far in a region that has been moving steadily toward peace and democratization. This outbreak of the Ebola virus has already killed more people than any other Ebola epidemic in history.