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Taking Stock of Nigeria’s 2015 General Elections: A Post-Election Q&A
In this post-election Q&A, IFES Program Manager Julia Hedlund discusses why the outcome of the Nigerian 2015 general elections were so important for democracy in the country; security concerns on Election Day; the performance of new technologies; and the legacy of outgoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Attahiru Jega.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES Q&A with Former Senior Program Manager for Francophone Africa Greg Kehailia
Greg Kehailia is currently the Senior Governance and Civil Society Advisor at the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX). Previously, he was the International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ (IFES) Senior Program Manager for Francophone Africa in Washington D.C. and also served as IFES Chief of Party in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has over 15 years of experience as a field practitioner in governance, democratization and electoral processes, mostly in war-torn, post-conflict and transitional countries. He has worked on voter education, empowerment of civil societies, defense and promotion of human rights, and reconciliation-related issues with IFES, the United Nations, the European Union and the Euromed Foundation for Dialogue between Cultures in the Middle East and Africa. Political violence and its prevention have been at the center of his work for the past 15 years.
News & Updates
Feature
A Look at Nigeria's 2015 General Elections
Nigeria’s 2015 general elections were widely watched by observers, with significant implications for the democratic future of the country. Despite security concerns stemming from Boko Haram, election observation missions applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its impartiality and professionalism and Nigerians for their enthusiastic participation. While observation missions noted the challenges presented by the use of new technologies, the 2015 general elections were a major development for Nigeria. Indeed, the winning candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, is the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria, setting an important democratic precedent for the country.
News & Updates
Feature
Nigeria’s Election Commission Introduces New Technologies and Processes for the 2015 Vote
Ahead of Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, I traveled to Nigeria to witness the preparations for the vote and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ (IFES) support for this vitally important electoral process. IFES has been engaged with Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since 1999, providing an array of technical assistance to support the country’s electoral and political processes. There are several important developments that have been implemented by the INEC, with support from IFES, in the lead up to the 2015 general elections.
News & Updates
Feature
Nigeria’s 2015 Elections: A Critical Vote for Democracy in Africa
On March 28, Nigerians went to the polls and voted decisively for change. Opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari won approximately 52 percent of the vote to defeat incumbent President Goodluck Jonathon, who collected 44 percent. Across the country, the conduct of the vote took place in a civil atmosphere, largely undisturbed by violence. Goodluck Jonathon graciously conceded defeat and congratulated Buhari on his victory, a move which was welcomed by the heads of international observer missions. Although there were some reported problems, these elections were a positive harbinger for democracy in Nigeria and Africa at large.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES and INEC Partner to Build Trust in Nigeria’s Elections
Since 1999, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has been engaged with the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a remarkable partnership. In many countries, IFES provides an array of technical assistance – from long-term strategic planning years ahead of an election down to poll worker training in the immediate lead up to a vote.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES President Sweeney Testifies on Capitol Hill on Election Support in Africa
On March 18, 2015, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) President and CEO Bill Sweeney provided testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations on “U.S. Election Support in Africa.” IFES was invited to discuss the implementation of effective electoral assistance in Africa, and to provide recommendations for improving future aid.
News & Updates
Feature
Timid Support in Nigeria for Women in Politics
A recent opinion survey in Nigeria conducted by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) reveals a sharp divide between men and women on attitudes towards women’s representation in high political positions.
News & Updates
Feature
Liberians Vote in Delayed Special Senate Elections
Originally slated for October 14, 2014, Liberia's special senatorial elections were moved to December 20 due to the Ebola outbreak. Amid this public health crisis, Liberians headed to the polls to elect half of the country's 30-member Senate. With the State of Emergency imposed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expiring in November, the conduct of this election was an important marker of the progress made in the fight against Ebola. Four different teams from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) deployed to the counties of Montserrado, Bomi, Margibi and Grand Bassa in central Liberia to witness the vote.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
IFES Q&A with Former Senior Program Manager Laurie Cooper
A former Senior Program Manager at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Laurie Cooper specializes in conflict resolution and the rule of law. Most recently, she was Chief of Party for the Liberia Land Conflict Resolution Project. In this post, she discusses her time at IFES, the Ebola crisis in Liberia and positive trends for sustainable democracy.