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IFES Report Examines Thai Political Transition
A new report from IFES provides recommendations to the government of Thailand as it attempts to reestablish a democratic government after last year’s military coup. The Pre-Election Technical Assessment report, or PETA, offers dozens of recommendations on constitutional and legal issues, election administration, voter education and election observation.
News & Updates
Press Release
Despite Successful Election, Political Violence is Still an Issue in Bangladesh: Political Parties are Key to its Eradication, Report Shows
The political violence following Bangladesh's historic December 2008 parliamentary election shows that the use of aggression as a political tool is still prevalent; political parties are instrumental to its eradication, finds a report released today by the human rights group Odhikar and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
News & Updates
Feature
2014 Thailand General Elections
On February 2, 2014, the world watched Thailand’s general election unfold within a tenuous political environment. One-tenth of polling stations throughout Thailand were closed on Election Day, and 28 of 375 constituencies had no candidates due to anti-election demonstrations.
Thailand is now in a position where it cannot currently produce enough legislators to seat the House of Representatives. Legal challenge by the opposition over the validity of the election is a possibility, as well as holding by-elections to fill the remaining seats.
The task of the Election Commission of Thailand under these circumstances is a formidable challenge. Never has the independence, neutrality and competence of commission been more important.
Thailand is now in a position where it cannot currently produce enough legislators to seat the House of Representatives. Legal challenge by the opposition over the validity of the election is a possibility, as well as holding by-elections to fill the remaining seats.
The task of the Election Commission of Thailand under these circumstances is a formidable challenge. Never has the independence, neutrality and competence of commission been more important.
News & Updates
Feature
A Rights-Based Approach to Electoral Security
In India, Maoist rebels killed 14 people in attacks in Chhattisgarh state as part of a campaign of violence aimed at disrupting the ongoing five-week national election in the world’s most populous democracy. Similarly, in the days leading up to the April 5 presidential election in Afghanistan, the Taliban unleashed a campaign of violence to discredit the electoral process and keep voters from the polls. Many hope this election will be known for delivering the first peaceful transfer of power in the country’s history.
News & Updates
Feature
Empowering Tomorrow through Youth Engagement
IFES works to empower youth around the world by hosting democracy-focused camps, events, and activities. By educating young people about democracy, we enable them to express themselves and have a voice in their communities.
News & Updates
Feature
Selima Ahmad: Business Leader and Peace Advocate
Women in Bangladesh subject to violence and intimidation. IFES’ Women Against Violence in Elections (WAVE) program gathers students and academics, civil society and media and business and political leaders in one forum to advance peace in Bangladesh. Selima Ahmad is a prominent member of the Bangladeshi business community and a member of the WAVE advisory group.
News & Updates
Feature
People Against Violence in Elections in Bangladesh
In this International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Q&A, IFES Bangladesh Chief of Party Alistair Legge talks about the People Against Violence in Elections (PAVE) program, including how the program started; the role of violence in Bangladesh’s political and electoral processes; the instrumental role of women in election conflict and security programming; and lessons learned to prevent or mitigate electoral violence in other contexts.
News & Updates
Feature
Women Against Violence in Elections in Bangladesh
The pervasive culture of political violence in Bangladesh has unique impacts on women, where intimidation, harassment, and sometimes physical violence can inhibit women’s electoral and political participation. To address this issue, women themselves have a critical role to play in promoting peaceful and gender-inclusive elections.
News & Updates
Feature
Bangladesh’s National Convention of the Ambassadors for Peace
On November 14, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), in collaboration with local partner The Hunger Project-Bangladesh, held the “National Convention of the Ambassadors for Peace” in Dhaka for the Ambassadors for Peace (Shanti Dut Gon) who have been trained through IFES’ People Against Violence in Elections (PAVE) program.
News & Updates
Feature
Bangladeshi Peace Activists Meet with US Officials on IFES’ PAVE Program
On March 30, 2016, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) hosted a meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh with several U.S. Government officials including Dr. Sarah Sewall, the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights at the U.S. Department of State. In the meeting, Dr. Sewall discussed the present political situation in Bangladesh with eight Bangladeshi “Peace Ambassadors” (Shanti Dut Gon in Bangla) and two members of the Women’s Active Voice in Elections (WAVE) Advisory Group.