After decades of conflict and civil war, Liberia’s October 2017 landmark general elections represent a critical juncture for the country’s democracy. Liberians are poised to witness the first transfer of power from one democratically elected government to another since 1944. Editorial and Communications Manager Adam Gallagher writes about IFES' work in Liberia, partnership with the National Elections Commission, and the importance of these elections for the country's democratic consolidation.
Kosovo will hold elections on October 22, to elect municipal mayors and municipal assembly deputies in all 38 districts. Run-off elections will be held on November 19 in municipalities where no mayoral candidate obtains 50 percent plus one of all votes in the first round. For municipal assembly elections, voting is done through an open list proportional representation system in which voters select a political party and a candidate. Parties are then allocated seats in proportion to their share of votes.