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IFES

Latin America & the Caribbean

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IFES has been involved in the democracy movement in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1989. In that time, IFES has worked in more than 20 nations, strengthening democracy through projects that include:

  • providing technical advice and assistance to electoral institutions;
  • building civil and voter registries;
  • creating civic education programs and strengthening civil society groups; and
  • participating in electoral observation missions throughout the Americas and the United States.

IFES also has hosted and participated in various regional democracy-building initiatives in an effort to foster greater cooperation among the hemisphere's democracy-building organizations. These events have included several significant electoral conferences.

Current Projects

Ecuador
In 2004, Ecuador marked 25 years of civilian governance, but this period has been subject to much political instability. There have been seven presidents since 1996 and increased demonstrations have indicated significant popular discontent with the economic and political progress of the country. A second round of elections on the 26th of November will decide the next President of the country.
Ecuador Home

Haiti
Haitians have been challenging authoritarian rule since 1986. In 1990, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected president, but a coup ousted him seven months later. A U.S. intervention reinstated Aristide in 1994. Rene Preval was elected president in 1996, until Aristide won a second term in 2000 and a political crisis developed on grounds that the elections were fraudulent. In 2004, Aristide left Haiti amid a rebel insurrection. Currently, there is an interim government in place.
Haiti Home

Nicaragua
IFES began working with Nicaragua’s Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) in 1997, and it has continued to work with the CSE to improve its capacity to conduct free and fair elections. In the past five years, IFES has also worked with Nicaraguan civil society, voters with disabilities, and political finance regulators.  IFES’ work in Nicaragua has been funded by USAID and SIDA.
Nicaragua Home
Past Projects

Bolivia
Bolivia has achieved 20 years of uninterrupted democracy. However, it is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, and there is widespread social misery among its populatio…
Bolivia Home

Brazil
Since the end of military rule in 1985, Brazil has undertaken numerous political reforms on its path towards democratic consolidation. Elections have become increasingly free and fair as judged by international standards, and the 2002 election resulted in the ascendance of the main opposition party, the Worker’s Party. However, obstacles still remain to the continued development of Brazilian democracy, including a relatively weak political party system characterized by frequent switches between parties. The recent scandal involving the ruling Worker’s Party is an indication of the seriousness of the issue.
Brazil Home

To learn more about our experts from this region, visit here.

For more information, please contact us at americas.programs@ifes.org.

Applications and resumes are not accepted at this address.

News and Materials
December 3, 2008
IFES.org Feature: Jean-Pierre Kingsley Urges Campaign Finance Reform for Jamaica
June 27, 2008
IFES News in Brief: Paraguayan Delegation Visits IFES, Discusses Plans for New Administration
May 12, 2008
IFES.org Feature: Paraguayans Vote in Historic, Transparent Election
April 2008
White Paper/Report: ELECCIONES GENERALES - PARAGUAY 2008
English », Spanish »
April 22, 2008
Press Release: IFES Congratulates Paraguayans on Historic and Genuine Democratic Elections
English », Spanish »
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