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News & Updates
Press Release
IFES Congratulates Pakistan on Historic Transfer of Power
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) congratulates Pakistan on its first transfer of power between two democratically elected civilian governments after completion of a full term. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and newly-elected members of the National Assembly were sworn in on June 1, 2013. Sharif officially takes office today, June 5, 2013.
News & Updates
Feature
Pakistanis Comment on the Historic 2013 Elections
Pakistan held elections on May 11, 2013. This was the first time in the country’s history that one elected government completed its full term and handed power to another civilian government. Despite incidents of violence ahead of and on Election Day, the overall mood in the country was very positive. At 60 percent, turnout was higher than in previous elections. In this collection of photos, people in Pakistan share their views and experiences on the general election.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Witnessing Pakistan’s Historic Election
Pakistan held general elections on May 11, 2013, marking the first time in the nation's history that a civilian government has carried out the full length of its term and handed power to another civilian government. A number of improvements were made ahead of the election to ensure a more credible and transparent poll. This included updating the voter list, increasing the number of polling stations and expanding communication with the public. Ole Holtved, IFES Chief of Party in Pakistan, answers some questions about Election Day.
Election FAQ
Elections in Pakistan: May 11 General Elections
The May 11 general elections in Pakistan will mark the first time in the nation's history that a civilian government has carried out the full length of its term and handed power to another civilian government. IFES' frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Elections in Pakistan: May 11 General Elections shed light into these important polls.
News & Updates
Feature
Assessing Pakistan’s Founding Promise
Washington Post Foreign Correspondent Pamela Constable and IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney talk about Constable’s new book on Pakistan and where the country stands on its mission to be a Muslim democracy.
News & Updates
Feature
Pakistan Election Day
Pakistani voters gave opposition parties a governing majority in parliament February 18. IFES advised the Pakistan Election Commission in the lead up to the vote.
News & Updates
Press Release
IFES to Assist Pakistan With Key Elections
IFES will play a leading role in advising Pakistan’s election commission as it prepares for general elections anticipated in late 2007
News & Updates
Feature
Pakistan Civil Society Project
IFES works with civil society groups in Pakistan
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