Media Centers: Serving Democracy Through the Press
May 03, 2012
As the global leader in democracy promotion, IFES has helped election management bodies (EMBs) around the world set up media centers to facilitate the flow of information and enhance transparency in the electoral process. A media center allows EMBs, the authoritative sources of election news, to distribute real-time information to local and foreign journalists, including updates on the progress of voting and preliminary announcements of election results. For elections, independent media serve to underscore key issues, shed light on candidates and political parties, provide voter education and keep the population updated on electoral developments.
Civil Society
SWMENA.org Launches on 3 November
October 28, 2011
SWMENA.org, the digital complement to the Status of Women in the Middle East and North Africa (SWMENA) program, will go live on 3 November. The interactive website will feature all data collected between 2009 and 2010 on the social, political and economic status of women in Lebanon, Morocco and Yemen in three languages.
Women's Empowerment,
Civil Society,
Public Opinion
Observing International Day of Non-Violence
September 30, 2011
The International Day of Non-Violence is celebrated on 2 October, the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. It was designated by the United Nations in June 2008 as a day to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness."
Civil Society,
Post-conflict
Voter Education in Haiti
April 04, 2011
After a close and controversial first-round presidential vote in November, on March 20 Haiti held a runoff election for its top two presidential candidates, Mirlande Manigat and Michel Martelly. As part of its technical assistance to the CEP, and in close coordination and cooperation with other partners, IFES organized a public information campaign reminding voters to check their registration information, confirm the location of their polling station and cast their ballots on Election Day.
Elections,
Civil Society,
Voter Registration,
Civic Education
2011 IFES Photography Contest
March 23, 2011
IFES’ third-annual Photography Contest drew nearly 500 entries from professional and amateur photographers from around the world. The democracy-themed competition showcases the many ways individuals worldwide demonstrate a sense of civic responsibility and call to action. Featured here are the winners and finalists from the two competition categories. The Public Category is open to all photographers ages 18 and older, and the IFES’ Choice Category is open only to current IFES employees.
Elections,
Governance,
Civil Society,
Democracy Assistance
Southern Sudan Registers to Vote in the Referendum
January 13, 2011
An estimated 3.9 million Southern Sudanese registered in November and December 2010 to cast a ballot in the referendum occurring between January 9-15, 2011. The SSRC has established polling centers in the north and in eight countries (Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the UK, and the USA) and the SSRB has established polling stations throughout Southern Sudan. As a key milestone of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the referendum will determine whether Sudan remains unified or if the ten states of Southern Sudan will secede. At least 60% of those registered to vote must cast a ballot for the results to be binding.
Voter Registration,
Elections,
Civil Society,
Democracy Assistance