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Electoral Assessment
Inclusion Practices Implemented by Election Management Bodies in Africa
A new study from IFES focuses on the different practices that EMBs have implemented on the African continent to include traditionally underrepresented voters, such as women and persons with disabilities.
April 22, 2021
Publication
Report/Paper
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
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Caretaker Cabinet
This IFES Pakistan Fact Sheet provides background information on the purpose and function of caretaker cabinet's during the electoral process.
June 24, 2015
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Electronic Voting Machines
The use of electronic voting technology in elections was introduced in 1964 when punch cards and computer tally machines were first used in the United States presidential primaries in two counties in the state of Georgia.
June 24, 2015
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: IFES in Pakistan
Since 2002, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems has provided technical and commodity assistance to strengthen Pakistan’s democratic institutions.
June 24, 2015
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Local Government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
The local government system in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has a rural-urban divide; separate institutions have been designed for rural and urban populations of the province.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: 2013 Pakistan Election Timeline
With the possibility for snap elections and by-elections during the tenures of the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies, the Election Commission of Pakistan must be ready to mobilize to conduct elections nation-wide or in individual constituencies at any time.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Report/Paper
Elections in Guatemala: November 6 Run-off Presidential Election
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide insight into issues related to the upcoming election.
November 02, 2011
Publication
Report/Paper
Political Money and Political Corruption: Considerations for Nigeria
November 28, 2003
Publication
Report/Paper
Promoting Electoral Access for Citizens with Disabilities: Considerations for Nigeria, INEC-Civil Society Forum Seminar on Agenda for Electoral Reform, 27-28 November 2003, Abuja, Nigeria
The right to participate in and stand for election is a fundamental human right. According to Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: “Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any of the distinctions mentioned in Article 2 and without unreasonable restrictions: (a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives’ (b) To vote and be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors; (c) To have access, on general terms of equality, to public service in his country.” The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights sets an international standard for the conduct of the elections and the right of participation in that process. In reviewing the Constitutional and legal framework of Nigeria’s electoral process, it is important to ensure that this framework meets international standards, while taking into account the nation’s experience and political and social environment. The right of participation of “every citizen” is one that must be guaranteed by law and by the way the electoral process is conducted. In Nigeria, citizens with disabilities face legal as well as practical barriers to equal participation in the electoral process. However, this electoral review affords the opportunity to ensure that the rights of citizens with disabilities are protected by law and by practice. There is no reliable data on how many of Nigeria’s approximately 120 million citizens live with some sort of physical or mental disability. Nigerian census officials last submitted statistics on disability to the United Nations over 12 years ago, estimating at that time that .5 percent of the population was disabled. This figure is not comparable to the international norm and is a severe under-estimate. In the United States, at least 6% of population has some form of obvious disability – is blind or visually impaired; deaf; a wheelchair user or has an intellectual disability. However, with Nigeria’s incidence of polio, nutritional problems and difficulties with access to healthcare, the percentage of Nigerians with obvious disabilities is likely to be higher – perhaps 10% or more. With an estimated population of 120 million, that would be more than 12 million citizens with disabilities – half of whom are of voting age, at least some 6 million people. This, of course, does not take into account persons with hidden or even undiagnosed disabilities, such as learning disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, etc. Section 17(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution states that “every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before law.” Do the Constitutional and legal provisions governing the conduct of elections guarantee this right for those Nigerian citizens with disabilities? Are Nigerians with disabilities able to equally participate in and stand for election?
November 26, 2003