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News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Evelyn Mulemangabo N’Enbintu Speaks on IFES Study on EMB Practices in Africa
A new study from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) focuses on the different practices that electoral management bodies (EMBs) have implemented on the African continent to include traditionally underrepresented voters, such as women and persons with disabilities.
News & Updates
Feature
Congolese Women Equipped to Advocate
In the summer of 2020, IFES offered in-depth online trainings on the Democratic Republic of the Congo's electoral systems and gender inclusion in the legal framework and reform processes.
News & Updates
Feature
Elections on Trial Project: Inaugural Meeting of the Europe and Eurasia Electoral Jurisprudence Working Group
IFES is working to establish peer networks in Europe and Eurasia and Africa, supported by the United States Agency for International Development. Regional knowledge exchange allows judges and election commissioners to discuss best practices and share comparative examples of how other countries deal with specific categories of complaints and disputes.
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
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
CEDAW Anniversary: Making Women's Equality a Reality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Although the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) makes provisions for parity between men and women with a view to fair and equitable participation in the management of the city (Mbuji-Mayi), this participation remains only theoretical, despite the country’s ratification of treaties on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. Mamie Patricia Kapinga of IFES' hub office in Mbuji-Mayi talks about challenges women face in the country.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
CEDAW Anniversary: Helping Women Lead in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has ratified a number of international conventions on the protection of women and ending discrimination against them. But it is clear there is a gap between what the international standards maintain and how they are applied in this country. Sylvie Matondo, IFES regional coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, talks about efforts to increase women's role in political leadership.
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
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
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.