Nigeria: Debating a New Voters Register Four Months before Election Day

August 25, 2010

Earlier this year, Nigeria held the world’s attention with the illness and subsequent death of President Umaru Yar'Adua. After his passing, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan assumed the presidency. In January 2011, the tenure of the current presidency will expire and Nigeria will hold presidential elections to elect the country’s next leader.

Voter Registration, Elections, Education

IFES Regional Director for Africa on President Yar'Adua's Death

May 06, 2010

Almami Cyllah, IFES regional director for Africa, comments on the death of Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua on May 5, 2010. IFES joins the world in expressing its condolences to the people of Nigeria for the great loss of President Yar’Adua.

Civil Society, Elections, Democracy Assistance, Governance

IFES Begins a Program in Nigeria

April 23, 2010

IFES has begun a new project in Nigeria to help the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepare for the 2011 elections.

Political Finance, Election Management, Voter Registration, Election Disputes, Democracy Assistance

IFES Regional Director for Africa Comments on Nigeria's Electoral Reforms

March 30, 2010

Almami Cyllah, IFES regional director for Africa, comments on the electoral reforms approved by Nigeria's Senate on March 25, 2010.

Elections, Rule of Law, Election Procedures, Electoral Systems

The State of Democracy in Africa

September 23, 2009

As International Day of Democracy was celebrated on September 15th, many assessed the state of democracy around the world. Looking back at democracy in Africa since most sub-Saharan African countries gained independence 50 years ago, it is evident that democracy on the continent has endured a faltering journey.

Democracy Assistance, Elections, Election Disputes, Electoral Systems, Civil Society

IFES Observes International Day of Democracy

September 15, 2009

In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly decided to observe September 15th as the International Day of Democracy. The preamble of the resolution affirmed that: "while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region...democracy is a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life."

Gender Issues, Elections, Public Opinion, Democracy Assistance, Civil Society

Electoral Reform in Nigeria: "Business as Usual" Throttles Hope

April 16, 2009

The report commissioned by Nigeria's President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in August 2008 to improve the country's electoral system was released three months ago, but the public has not yet had full access to it. The Uwais report, so- called because the former Chief Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais led the 22-member Electoral Reform Committee (ERC)

Electoral Systems, Elections, Election Law, Legal Framework, Rule of Law

Spotlight on Nigeria's Electoral Reform Process

February 10, 2009

There is overwhelming consensus among Nigerians that the electoral system is in dire need of reform. Since its inception, Nigeria's democracy has been riddled with difficulties and many of its elections

Electoral Systems, Democracy Assistance, Elections, Post-conflict, Election Observation

New Publication: Money and Politics in Nigeria

December 16, 2008

Money is indispensable for political campaigns but unrestrained funds can result in corruption. As Nigeria works to strengthen its nascent democracy, Money and Politics in Nigeria, a collection of essays by democracy experts in Nigeria, gives Africa's most populous country advice on how to handle money and politics issues.

Nigerian Democracy Experts Advise on Campaign Finance Anti-Corruption Reform

December 16, 2008

Money is indispensable for political campaigns but unrestrained funds can result in corruption. As Nigeria works to strengthen its nascent democracy, Money and Politics in Nigeria, a collection of essays by democracy experts in Nigeria, gives Africa's most populous country advice on how to handle money and politics issues.

Political Finance