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Overcoming Challenges to Democracy and Governance Programs in Post-Conflict Countries: CEPPS Lessons Learned
How can democracy and governance programs be more effective in post-conflict environments?
May 18, 2021
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
Report/Paper
Elections in Sierra Leone: November 17 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Elections
The November 17 elections in Sierra Leone will be the first since the end of the civil war in 2002 that the National Electoral Commission has taken a primary role in organizing and executing. To help observers better understand the backdrop of these elections, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has put together a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
November 14, 2012
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
Discussion Paper: Preparing for Elections in Sierra Leone
This Discussion Paper presents IFES’ summary findings of the 1999 IFES Assessment Mission in Sierra Leone and is meant to inform and stimulate the consultations that must take place in so that elections preparations can begin and a credible and transparent electoral process can be built.
December 19, 1999
Publication
Report/Paper
Sierra Leone Pre-Election Assessment, November 1995
This Pre-Election Assessment from Sierra Leone focused on two issues: computer and information management needs of the Commission, and the overall status of INEC preparations to hold elections on February 26, 1996. The report discusses the legal framework, voter registration, civic education, election day preparations and IFES recommendations.
October 31, 1995
Publication
Report/Paper
Sierra Leone: A Pre-Election Assessment Report, December 1991
This report summarizes IFES findings from the December 1991 Pre-Election Assessment in Sierra Leone. The report assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the new election process and the Government’s readiness and capability of conducting free, fair and democratic elections.
December 31, 1990