Rebuilding Haiti’s Democracy

May 26, 2010

It has now been widely acknowledged that Haiti’s natural disaster could rapidly turn into a political fiasco if elections are not held promptly and in a manner that is free, fair and credible. On May 8, the terms of one-third of the Senate and the entire House of Representatives— and, by extension, the Parliament—expired. In addition, the terms of all local officials will expire in early to mid-2011, and the President’s term expires on February 7 of next year.

Elections, Governance, Democracy Assistance, Electoral Systems, Voter Registration

Post-Disaster Assessment on the Feasibility of Organizing Free and Fair Elections in Haiti

March – April 2010

During the months of March and April 2010, IFES conducted a technical assessment of Haiti’s capacity to hold elections. The Post-Disaster Assessment on the Feasibility of Organizing Free and fair Elections in Haiti, a report commissioned by USAID, is now available.

Democracy Assistance, Governance, Elections

Post-Earthquake Constitutional Analysis of the Interruption of the Legislative and Executive Powers in Haiti

March – April 2010

Due to the earthquake on January 12, 2010, elections for the members of the House of Representatives and one third of the Senate scheduled for February 28 and April 4, 2010, were canceled. As a result, Haiti will have no legislative power as of May 8, 2010. There will be a rupture in the constitutional order.

Democracy Assistance, Governance, Elections

Chief of Party in Haiti Speaks About Elections

April 28, 2010

Sophie Lagueny, IFES chief of party in Haiti, will give a lecture at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Thursday, April 29. Ms. Lagueny will speak about the electoral landscape in Haiti before and after the devastating earthquake that took place this past January. Interim Dean Frank G. Houdek said the law school is pleased Ms. Lagueny will present the lecture.

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

IFES Extends Its Condolences to Haiti Following the January 12 Earthquake

January 14, 2010

IFES extends its deepest condolences to the people of Haiti.

World Economic Crisis Impacts Elections in Latin America and the Caribbean

January 21, 2009

Democracy can be bolstered by aiding nations in their democratic processes. In the mid-1980's, international assistance began to be given to countries to build or consolidate democracy. This assistance included funding,

Election Procedures, Democracy Assistance, Electoral Systems, Elections

IFES Forum Examines Human Rights In Haiti

June 15, 2006

More than 100 people including members of Haiti’s medical and legal communities examined the issue of human rights at a public forum in Port-au-Prince June 14. IFES organized the forum at the Montana Hotel to look at the issues that professionals face when working with victims of organized violence.

Rule of Law, Elections, Governance, Civil Society, Post-conflict

Studies: Tracking Political Money Crucial First Step in Post-Conflict Countries

June 12, 2006

Countries recovering from violent conflict benefit when political finance regulations are introduced early in the rebuilding process, according to one of two new studies released today by IFES’ Center for Transitional and Post-Conflict Governance

Rule of Law

Political Finance in Post-Conflict Societies

May 01, 2006

This study of political finance in post-conflict society identifies lessons learned from international donor-funded efforts to support political processes in post-conflict environments in general and the funding of political parties and campaign finance in particular. The document consists of eight case studies that seek to improve our understanding not only of the political dynamics of post-conflict situations but also of how to rally international support for holding elections and supporting democratization under such circumstances.

Public Funding, Political Finance, Post-conflict

Political Finance in Post-Conflict Societies

May 01, 2006

This report draws lessons from eight cases in order to provide some guidelines for addressing the serious and often complex issues concerning the role of money in the political process in these societies.

Elections