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News & Updates
Feature
Myanmar’s Election Commission Takes Steps to Achieve Gender Equality and Include Voters with Disabilities
After five decades of military rule, Myanmar has initiated an ongoing process of democratic reform, opening new and significant political space. However, persons with disabilities in Myanmar still face numerous obstacles in accessing their right to vote, and, at only 6.8 percent, Myanmar has one of the lowest percentages of women in parliament in the region.
Election FAQ
Elections in Zimbabwe: July 31 General Elections
The July 31 election in Zimbabwe will be the first nationwide poll under the country's new constitution, bringing a formal end to the Global Political Agreement established after the disputed 2008 election. IFES' frequently asked questions (FAQs) Elections in Zimbabwe: July 31 General Elections shed light into these important polls.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Paving the Way for Inclusive Elections in Zimbabwe
In 2009, Zimbabwe formed a Government of National Unity to overcome a political impasse. One of this government’s main tasks is to draft a new constitution for the country that will determine, among other things, the country’s electoral framework. In this Q&A, IFES Chief of Party in Zimbabwe Staffan Darnolf provides an update on the constitution’s drafting process and the efforts that are being made to make elections in Zimbabwe more inclusive.
News & Updates
Feature
Marking Political Progress in Zimbabwe
As Zimbabwe’s Unity Government marks its third anniversary, Staffan Darnolf, IFES Chief of Party in Zimbabwe, tells us where the government stands on fulfilling the agreement that brought it into existence, how well the constitution that is being written protects civil liberties, and when Zimbabwe might hold elections.
News & Updates
Feature
Elections Worth Dying For? Maintaining the Peace During Elections in Africa
Used as a political tool before, during and after elections, violence threatens the franchise and civil rights of all citizens.
Publication
Report/Paper
Lithuania: Money and Politics Case Study
Lithuania has rapidly developed both politically and economically since emerging from the Soviet Union in 1991. While the country has built a functioning parliamentary system of government, has become a member of NATO, and is on the verge of joining the European Union, it still faces many problems associated with the many consolidating democracies around the world. As in all democracies, populations need to trust that those they elect will represent their interests. Problems such as corruption, weaknesses in laws concerning the political financing, and unaccounted for political income and expenditures threaten the credibility of the process and hinder the speed at which democracy is consolidated. Additionally, Lithuania lacks the high level of vibrant debate about the issue of political financing among scholars, journalists and civil society bodies required to promote meaningful reform. Recognizing this, Lithuania has developed an independent Central Electoral Committee (CEC) and adopted laws requiring detailed and public disclosure of political finance accounts. Prior to conducting Money and Politics programming in Lithuania, the CEC had made a demonstrable interest in making information public. While scanning summary report of accounts and placing them on the internet, the user could not search, not easily compare and analyze the information. Interested parties were required to make an appointment to view more detailed, paper-based information. Further, while the Tax Authorities are required to audit final political party reports, enforcement is widely considered to be weak. Few, if any, cases of political finance violations have been forwarded and investigated, not to mention prosecuted. By addressing the difficult issues surrounding political finance with the support of IFES in 2002 and 2003, Lithuania is emerging as a model for other consolidating democracy to follow. Significant areas remain to be addressed. While Lithuania has taken concrete steps to reform political finance legislation, open political finance information to public scrutiny and oversight, and encourage debate, further efforts are required to actively enforce laws and regulations and raise the level of debate among the various governmental, legislative, and civil society groups. By addressing these areas, Lithuania has the potential for being an example of best practices while making local expertise and resources to other countries undergoing similar reforms.
December 31, 2002
Election Material
Constitution
Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 16) Bill, 2000 Departmental Draft
Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 16) Bill, 2000 Departmental Draft establishes an anti-corruption commission.
Election Material
Constitution
Constitution of Zimbabwe - June 1998
The constitution of Zimbabwe as printed in 1998 to include amendments 1-15.
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Chapter 2:01 Electoral Act - Revised Edition 1996
Chapter 2:01 Electoral Act - Revised Edition 1996