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

Building a Better Election Process in Georgia

July 27, 2010

Election Day on May 30, 2010, in Tbilisi, Georgia was calm and orderly, and the results of the municipal elections brought few surprises. The incumbent mayor, Gigi Ugulava, won the Tbilisi mayoral race with 55% of the vote, and the United National Movement (the party of President Mikheil Saakashvili) dominated council votes across the country.

Elections, Post-conflict, Political Parties, Election Observation, Electoral Systems

Philippines Election and President Noynoy Aquino's Taking of Office

July 01, 2010

Juhani Grossman, deputy chief of party in the Philippines, comments on the May 10, 2010 election and President Noynoy Aquino’s taking of office.

Election Observation, Elections, Voting Technology, Election Management, Election Disputes

Presidential Elections in Burundi

July 01, 2010

The first round of presidential elections took place in Burundi on June 28, 2010. These were the second set of polls this year; communal elections took place on May 24. These elections are the first time Burundians go to the polls since the rebels laid down their arms after years of civil war. IFES carried out a far-reaching program to prevent a return to violence as candidates competed for seats.

Elections, Post-conflict, Voter Turnout, Election Observation, Election Procedures

International NGO Releases Survey Findings on Women’s Political Standing in Morocco

June 22, 2010

RABAT—A national survey on attitudes towards the political, economic, social and legal status of women in Morocco released today by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) shows that while women’s political and civic participation is low, there is relatively high support for gender quotas on behalf of both sexes. The survey, however, indicated that men are much less supportive than women of the Family Law or Moudawana.

Gender Issues, Public Opinion, Election Observation, Elections

IFES Sponsors First-ever Live Televised Candidate Debates in Tbilisi, Georgia

May 10, 2010

In anticipation of local elections at the end of the month, IFES organized and sponsored live, televised candidate debates for the post of mayor of Tbilisi, Georgia, together with Georgian Public Broadcasting.  These debates represent a first in Georgian democracy – live debates featuring candidates running for office have never been produced before.

Public Opinion, Elections, Political Parties, Civic Education, Civil Society

On Account of Election Observers in Togo

March 11, 2010

During the 2005 presidential elections, which were largely contested by the international community, Faure Gnassingbe was elected president.

Election Observation, Election Procedures, Electoral Systems, Elections, Post-conflict

Post-Election Atmosphere in Togo

March 09, 2010

Saturday, March 6 at exactly 7:00 pm, TV and radio channels suddenly halted their programming. The streets were also deserted. Everyone was waiting for the news of who had won the election.

Election Observation, Elections, Civil Society, Election Disputes, Post-conflict

Senator Lugar, Iraqi Ambassador to U.S. and IFES CEO Speak at Iraq Polling Station in DC

March 05, 2010

Out-of-country voting for Iraq began today. This exercise will give the estimated 2,000,000 Iraqis living outside Iraq the opportunity to cast a ballot for Council of Representatives (CoR) at nearly 1000 out-of-country polling stations in 16 countries.

Elections, Election Ballots, Election Procedures, Electoral Systems, Democracy Assistance

A Brief Account of Election Day in Togo

March 04, 2010

It is 5 pm GMT in Togo, and the polls are currently closing. Today looked, sounded, and felt like a Sunday in Lome. The roads were completely deserted – only a few military trucks roamed some parts of town; shops were closed, as were banks, markets, and most workplaces.

Election Observation, Public Opinion, Election Procedures, Electoral Systems, Elections