Tools & Resources
Filter by
Type
Publication date
Language
Type
Publication date
Language
News & Updates
Feature
An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election
On September 23, 2014, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) hosted a conversation between IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney and the former Chief Election Commissioner of the Election Commission of India (ECI), S.Y. Quraishi. Sweeney and Quraishi discussed Quraishi’s book An Undocumented Wonder: The Making of the Great Indian Election, a first-person account of the recent electoral history of India and a must-read for those interested in understanding how the world's largest democracy works. Quraishi was also presented with the IFES’ prestigious Hutar Award, which honors those who express a commitment to improving democratic practices.
During the event, Sweeney marveled at the immense technical undertaking of elections in India, noting that as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of India, Quraishi oversaw elections that involved over 11 million Indian government personnel. Indeed, elections in India generate both wonder and interest globally. Polls have been held at regular intervals in the country since independence, and on an unprecedented scale, surmounting the massive challenges posed by the geography of the land and the diversity of the Indian populace.
During the event, Sweeney marveled at the immense technical undertaking of elections in India, noting that as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of India, Quraishi oversaw elections that involved over 11 million Indian government personnel. Indeed, elections in India generate both wonder and interest globally. Polls have been held at regular intervals in the country since independence, and on an unprecedented scale, surmounting the massive challenges posed by the geography of the land and the diversity of the Indian populace.
Publication
Book
Gender Equality & Election Management Bodies: A Best Practices Guide
The full participation of women and men in a country's political and decision-making processes as voters, candidates, elected officials and electoral management body (EMB) staff is crucial. Yet, despite a set of robust international instruments and many positive developments in recent years, women represent only 21.7 percent of world's parliamentarians and in many countries they continue to be marginalized and underrepresented in political and electoral processes. Clearly, major steps still need to be taken before true gender equality is achieved in this arena.
September 23, 2014
News & Updates
Feature
Ebola in Liberia: Its Effect on Governance and Democracy
Ebola’s destructive path in West Africa has not only displaced communities and people but has exacerbated the strain facing already weak institutions and governance. The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) hosted panel discussion on the key structural and governance issues that have been underscored by the current Ebola crisis in Liberia. The panelist provided keen insights into the complex and evolving situation. IFES Senior Program Manager for Africa Matthew Parry spoke about the challenges facing the pending elections and the role civil society can play to increase awareness about Ebola.
News & Updates
Feature
Selima Ahmad: Business Leader and Peace Advocate
Women in Bangladesh subject to violence and intimidation. IFES’ Women Against Violence in Elections (WAVE) program gathers students and academics, civil society and media and business and political leaders in one forum to advance peace in Bangladesh. Selima Ahmad is a prominent member of the Bangladeshi business community and a member of the WAVE advisory group.
Election FAQ
Elections in Fiji: 2014 General Elections
On September 17, Fijian citizens will elect fifty members of Parliament, with the party winning a majority or plurality of seats tasked with choosing a Prime Minister and forming a government.
News & Updates
Feature
Improving Electoral Access in Pakistan
Article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in political and public life on an equal basis with other citizens. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) took on this important issue during the “Conference on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Processes” from September 3-4, 2014.
News & Updates
Press Release
New Project Pioneers Enforcing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Globally
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is proud to announce our participation in a new disability rights consortium led by Mobility International USA (MIUSA).
News & Updates
Press Release
Health Crisis in West Africa Erodes Peace and Democratization Efforts
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is deeply concerned about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. This health crisis has resulted in more than 1,350 reported deaths so far in a region that has been moving steadily toward peace and democratization. This outbreak of the Ebola virus has already killed more people than any other Ebola epidemic in history.
News & Updates
Feature
Nurturing Democracy in the Maldives
In June, The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) held a “Democracy Camp” for 40 youths, aged 14-16, from around the country.The primary goal of the camp is to enhance the participants’ knowledge on civic education, rights and responsibilities of a citizen, democracy, human rights and other pressing social issues. For this episode we hear the voices of Nihaya Ahmed, a camp participant, and IFES Chief of Party Dan Malinovich.
News & Updates
Feature
Empowering Tomorrow through Youth Engagement
IFES works to empower youth around the world by hosting democracy-focused camps, events, and activities. By educating young people about democracy, we enable them to express themselves and have a voice in their communities.