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Top Elections NGO Honors Pioneer of Electoral Democracy in Africa
Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, chairman of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, is the recipient of this year’s Joe C. Baxter Award. The Baxter Award is presented annually to professionals whose work epitomizes the mission of IFES—to promote citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in political life and civil society. “Dr. Afari-Gyan has made remarkable contributions to electoral democracy in Ghana, Africa, and throughout the world. He is a shining example of how much one individual can contribute to the advancement of a human right,” says Bill Sweeney, IFES president and CEO.
News & Updates
Press Release
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
Feature
The Election Commission of Thailand Meets with IFES
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) hosted a delegation from Thailand led by Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), Mr. Supachai Somcharoen. IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney and Regional Director for Asia-Pacific Vasu Mohan received the delegation and provided a briefing on IFES' work around the world supporting citizens’ rights to participate in free and fair elections.
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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.
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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
Multi-Stakeholder Working Group Conducts Polling Station Accessibility Audit in Macedonia
In August 2017, the State Election Commission of Macedonia (SEC), in collaboration with eight civil society organizations, including disabled people’s organizations, the Ministry for Labour and Social Policy, the Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), carried out the first nationwide polling station accessibility audit. The working group, which used a modified version of IFES’ polling station accessibility checklist, visited 2,733 polling stations, out of a total of 3,480.
News & Updates
Feature
Women’s Political Participation and Violence in Macedonia, Perspectives from Election Management Bodies
IFES conducted interviews with representatives from the three different Macedonian electoral management bodies (EMBs) to understand from their perspective the status of women’s political participation more broadly as well as ways the EMBs can, and are, working to address violence against women in elections (VAWIE).
News & Updates
Feature
Advancing Disability Rights in Southeast Asia through Regional Network of Advocates
In 2011, IFES established the General Election Network for Disability Access (AGENDA) across Southeast Asia. A creative partnership between disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) and election-focused civil society organizations, AGENDA serves as a forum to improve access to political and electoral opportunities for persons with disabilities by increasing public awareness and elevating advocacy efforts that call for change.
News & Updates
Feature
Youth Public Policy Academy Launched in North Macedonia
IFES and the National Youth Council of Macedonia just launched the Public Policy Academy, the first in a series of capacity-building efforts to increase young North Macedonian citizens’ participation in political and electoral processes.