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News & Updates
Feature
A Conversation with General Lamine Cissé
As Africa continues to move away from military and dictatorial rule, also known as “the strong man syndrome,” electoral competition in the various African countries will continue to present serious challenges, including violence.
News & Updates
Feature
What Made Nigeria’s 2011 Elections So Effective
This past April, Nigeria received accolades from national and international observers for the implementation of its national elections.
News & Updates
Feature
Nigerians Vote in Multiple National Elections
Nigeria held a series of nationwide elections in April 2011, beginning with National Assembly polls on April 9 and a presidential election on April 16. Elections for state governors were held on April 26 in most parts of the country but delayed until April 28 in two states due to violence following the presidential vote. After registering to vote in January and February, Nigerians underwent a voter accreditation process in the morning of each election day before casting their ballots in the afternoon. Despite the considerable security challenges, the polls were considered generally fair and credible by international observers.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES Observes Voter Registration in Nigeria
More than 65 million Nigerians registered to vote between January 15 and February 8 for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in April. IFES conducted unofficial monitoring in the southern and northeastern regions of the country in order to give feedback on the registration process and results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. INEC experienced technical problems with the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines used to register voters and faced serious challenges deploying machines and registration workers across the country. However, at the end of the period, many civil society groups gave the exercise positive marks and Nigerians remained enthusiastic for the upcoming polls.
News & Updates
Feature
Southern Sudan: Referendum for Secession
Sunday, January 9 kicked off a week of voting in Southern Sudan on a referendum to determine whether it will secede from the north. The overall mood was jubilant as citizens fulfilled one of the points established during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which was signed on January 9, 2005 between the Government of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. The CPA expired on July 9, 2011. Final results from the referendum are expected to be released in late January and final results will be made public by February 14, 2011.
Election Material
Ballot
South Sudan Referendum Ballot 2011
Ballot used in the referendum held between January 9 -15, 2011, which resulted in the creation of an independent South Sudan.
News & Updates
Feature
Southern Sudan Registers to Vote in the Referendum
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.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES Kicks Off BRIDGE Training in Niger
In September 2010, IFES hosted a showcase of BRIDGE training programs in Niger. The showcase introduced BRIDGE — which stands for Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections — to Nigerien elections officials and representatives from international partner organizations who will participate in more extensive training during the coming year. The professional development modules and activities that comprise BRIDGE have been used around the world to help local and national administrators develop the skills and abilities to carry out fair, efficient elections. IFES’ work with the Nigerien Commission Electoral Nationale Indepéndante (CENI) during the 2010-2011 election process marks the first time BRIDGE has been offered in Niger.
News & Updates
Press Release
Top Elections NGO Honors Pioneer of Electoral Democracy in Africa
Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, chairman of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, is the recipient of this year’s Joe C. Baxter Award. The Baxter Award is presented annually to professionals whose work epitomizes the mission of IFES—to promote citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in political life and civil society. “Dr. Afari-Gyan has made remarkable contributions to electoral democracy in Ghana, Africa, and throughout the world. He is a shining example of how much one individual can contribute to the advancement of a human right,” says Bill Sweeney, IFES president and CEO.
News & Updates
Feature
Guinea Pushes Towards the Runoff of its First Accepted Election
Elizabeth Cote, IFES chief of party in Guinea, speaks to us from Conakry about the latest developments in the preparation for the runoff, the difficulties that have been experienced in regards to these elections, and the overall mood in Guinea.