The Winners of the 2010 Manatt Democracy Award Have Been Announced

August 31, 2010

Representative David Obey (D-WI), former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator M. Peter McPherson, and Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud are the winners of the 2010 annual IFES Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards. The awards, which recognize extraordinary efforts to advance electoral participation and democratic values, are given yearly to a Republican, a Democrat and a member of the international community to highlight the fact that democracy work transcends political parties and national borders.

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society, Elections

A Senior Democratic U.S. Congressman, a Life-long Republican Public Servant, and Prominent Lebanese Civil Rights Activist Receive Award for Championing Democracy

August 31, 2010

Representative David Obey (D-WI), former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator M. Peter McPherson, and Lebanese Minister of Interior and Municipalities Ziad Baroud are the winners of the 2010 annual IFES Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards.

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society

Pondering Georgia’s Future While in Tbilisi

August 30, 2010

I arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia in late July to assist the staff in transitioning the office from one project to another, a mission I was only too pleased to undertake, as it meant the continuation of our important work in the country. This new agreement in large measure due to the staff’s hard work and dedication to IFES and to democracy in Georgia.

Democracy Assistance, Civil Society

IFES Presents Groundbreaking Framework to Combat Electoral Fraud

August 26, 2010

In an ideal world every ballot would be protected, every vote kept safe, and every election above reproach.  In reality, however, no vote can be completely free of all fraud and we must keep a constant watch for anything that would cast doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Electoral Systems, Democracy Assistance, Election Observation, Legal Framework

Guinea’s Foreign Affairs Minister Visits IFES

August 10, 2010

Foreign Affairs Minister Bakary Fofana visited IFES’s headquarters on August 10, 2010. Minister Fofana, in Washington on an official visit, met with IFES staff on what he called an emotional reunion with long-time colleagues.

Elections, Democracy Assistance, Civil Society

Rwanda Goes to the Polls

August 09, 2010

Rwanda is holding presidential elections on August 9, 2010. It is generally believed that the current president Paul Kagame will win the poll. Almami Cyllah, IFES regional director, comments:

Elections, Civil Society, Democracy Assistance

Kenyans Vote for a New Constitution

August 06, 2010

Kenya held a referendum to adopt a new constitution on August 4, 2010.  It was the first time Kenyans reviewed their constitution since 1963. Reports indicate that turnout was high and the election took place without violence.

Constitutional Law, Democracy Assistance, Governance

Kenya’s Referendum on the Adoption of a New Constitution

August 03, 2010

On Wednesday, August 4, Kenya will hold a referendum on the adoption of a new Constitution. This process marks the first time Kenya reviews its Constitution since it gained independence in 1963. Almami Cyllah, IFES regional director for Africa, comments on Kenya's step forward.

Constitutional Law, Democracy Assistance, Governance, Elections, Civil Society

President Barack Obama's Town Hall Meeting on Young sub-Saharan African Leaders

August 03, 2010

President Barack Obama is leading a town hall meeting at the White House with 115 young leaders from more than 40 sub-Saharan African countries on August 3. Almami Cyllah, IFES regional director for Africa, comments on the importance of the meeting.

Democracy Assistance, Governance, Civil Society, Civic Education, Education

The Rewrite of the Foreign Aid Bill Inches Forward

July 27, 2010

This month there was promising activity in the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s ongoing attempt to rewrite the Foreign Aid Bill.  The process was started almost two years ago when Committee Chairman Howard Berman laid out the goal to completely rewrite and replace the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Democracy Assistance, Constitutional Law