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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
Beyond Quotas: Political Accommodations and Gender in South Sudan
Since its birth, South Sudan has taken progressive steps toward creating an inclusive government – attempting to achieve gender equality in all levels of government. In July 2013, IFES and Conflict Dynamics International conducted a workshop to assist women members of government, civil servants and civil society members identify practical steps to ensure the nation’s electoral system genuinely accommodates women’s interests. This report presents the results of the workshop.
July 30, 2013
Publication
Report/Paper
South Sudan Anniversary: One Year after Independence
One year after achieving independence, the Republic of South Sudan continues along the path of building a sustainable democracy.
June 29, 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
The Gambia: Pre-Election Assessment 1996, Final Report
This report summarizes a pre-election assessment from The Gambia in 1996. The report discusses various topics in The Gambia, including human rights, civic education, political parties, the media and The Gambia’s election commission. The report discusses the challenges faced by various election teams (IFES, NDI) in The Gambia.
August 31, 1996