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Tunisia: Voting for the 'First' Time
Tunisia held the country’s first free and fair election on 23 October. Millions of Tunisians went to the polls to cast their ballots for the National Constituent Assembly, which will have one year to write a new constitution. Excitement was high as the country that ignited the Arab Spring was also the first of those countries to hold an election. The counting of ballots, which was done by poll workers, went on into the night as election observers watched the process.
News & Updates
Feature
Two Decades of Service: A Tribute to Richard Soudriette
Richard Soudriette steps down as president of IFES in June after 19 years. Here is a look back at some memorable moments.
News & Updates
Feature
Tunisia Reopens Media Center for Presidential Elections
On November 20, 2014, Tunisia’s High Independent Authority for Elections (ISIE) held a press conference to reopen its Media Center for the November 23 presidential election. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) worked closely with its ISIE partners in conceptualizing and creating the Center for the October parliamentary elections and the November presidential vote. The Media Center serves as a platform for the ISIE to communicate election related information to citizens, journalists, international organizations and other relevant stakeholders. It also brings transparency and credibility to the election process. Click through this photo gallery to see the impressive and important results of this effort.
News & Updates
Feature
Tunisians Proud to Vote in a Historic Presidential Election
On November 23, 2014, Tunisians went to the polls for the first direct election of a President in the country’s history. During this historic day, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) visited polling stations and witnessed the professional, efficient conduct of the election. While the official results have yet to be announced, participation was high across the country; the High Independent Authority on Elections (ISIE) announced that voter turnout reached 64.6 percent.
Throughout Tunisia, voters brought their children with them as they voted, demonstrating their confidence in the security of the polls. When the polls opened at 8 a.m., IFES witnessed the celebratory, exhilarating atmosphere, as Tunisians quickly entered Polling Centers to cast their vote and exercise their fundamental human right: to have a say in how they are governed. Click through this gallery to see images from Tunisia’s momentous Election Day.
Throughout Tunisia, voters brought their children with them as they voted, demonstrating their confidence in the security of the polls. When the polls opened at 8 a.m., IFES witnessed the celebratory, exhilarating atmosphere, as Tunisians quickly entered Polling Centers to cast their vote and exercise their fundamental human right: to have a say in how they are governed. Click through this gallery to see images from Tunisia’s momentous Election Day.
News & Updates
Feature
Kyrgyzstan Protests
Thousands of protesters are taking to the streets of Kyrgyzstan's capital to call for the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiev. The president said in a televised address that he would not step down.
News & Updates
Feature
Kyrgyzstan Votes to Adopt a New Constitution
On Sunday, 27 June 2010 Kyrgyzstan held a referendum to consider adopting a new constitution. The referendum, administered by a new (interim) Central Election Commission (CEC), was held just 80 days after the violent overthrow of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and just weeks after a violent ethnic clash between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in the south of the country. With a near 70% turnout, voters overwhelmingly approved changes to the constitution affecting the electoral system, the separation of powers, the judicial system, human rights, and local self-government. With the changes Kyrgyzstan is set to become Central Asia’s first parliamentary republic, though the serious work of implementation lay ahead.
News & Updates
Feature
Liberians Vote in Delayed Special Senate Elections
Originally slated for October 14, 2014, Liberia's special senatorial elections were moved to December 20 due to the Ebola outbreak. Amid this public health crisis, Liberians headed to the polls to elect half of the country's 30-member Senate. With the State of Emergency imposed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expiring in November, the conduct of this election was an important marker of the progress made in the fight against Ebola. Four different teams from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) deployed to the counties of Montserrado, Bomi, Margibi and Grand Bassa in central Liberia to witness the vote.
News & Updates
Feature
Libyans Vote in First Post-Gaddafi Election
On July 7, 2012, Libya took a major step on its path to democracy when it conducted elections for General National Congress, the body that is replacing the current unelected National Transitional Council. Despite dealing with a short timeframe to implement the poll and a challenging security environment, the event was considered a success. Election Day was a joyful occasion as citizens lined up to cast their ballots in the first poll since Mu'amar Gaddafi was deposed.
News & Updates
Feature
U.S. Election Program Brings Global Perspective to American Elections
The 2012 U.S. Election Program, held November 4-7, brought together election management officials, elected representatives, diplomats and members of the international development community from more than 60 countries to witness and learn about the electoral process in the United States. More than 200 professionals participated in the full four-day conference, and more than 400 took part in a tour of Washington-area polling stations on Election Day. The 2012 program was the 11th since 1992.
News & Updates
Feature
Voters with Disabilities Beat Barriers
For many around the world, casting a ballot is taken for granted. However, when elections are inaccessible, citizens with disabilities might be left out. To increase voting accessibility for persons with disabilities – awareness-raising, advocacy and training are key. IFES strives to remove barriers that prohibit the full participation of persons with disabilities as voters and candidates in elections. These photos capture the involvement of persons with disabilities throughout the electoral cycle.