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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
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
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
Strategic Planning for Effective Electoral Management in Tunisia
On February 24, 2015, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) organized a presentation at the headquarters of Tunisia’s election management body (EMB), the Independent High Authority for Elections (or Instance Supérieure Indépendente pour les Élections [ISIE]), on “Strategic Planning for Effective Electoral Management.”
News & Updates
Feature
Transparency in Tunisia: The ISIE’s Media Center
During any democratic election, the need for transparency and up-to-date information is paramount to the credibility of the vote. Since 2011, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has supported the Tunisian Independent High Authority for Elections’ (ISIE) Media Centers during the country’s important democratic transition.
News & Updates
Feature
Tunisians Proud to Vote in a Historic Presidential Election
On November 23, 2014, Tunisians went to the polls for the first direct election of a President in the country’s history. During this historic day, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) visited polling stations and witnessed the professional, efficient conduct of the election. While the official results have yet to be announced, participation was high across the country; the High Independent Authority on Elections (ISIE) announced that voter turnout reached 64.6 percent.
Throughout Tunisia, voters brought their children with them as they voted, demonstrating their confidence in the security of the polls. When the polls opened at 8 a.m., IFES witnessed the celebratory, exhilarating atmosphere, as Tunisians quickly entered Polling Centers to cast their vote and exercise their fundamental human right: to have a say in how they are governed. Click through this gallery to see images from Tunisia’s momentous Election Day.
Throughout Tunisia, voters brought their children with them as they voted, demonstrating their confidence in the security of the polls. When the polls opened at 8 a.m., IFES witnessed the celebratory, exhilarating atmosphere, as Tunisians quickly entered Polling Centers to cast their vote and exercise their fundamental human right: to have a say in how they are governed. Click through this gallery to see images from Tunisia’s momentous Election Day.
News & Updates
Feature
Tunisia Reopens Media Center for Presidential Elections
On November 20, 2014, Tunisia’s High Independent Authority for Elections (ISIE) held a press conference to reopen its Media Center for the November 23 presidential election. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) worked closely with its ISIE partners in conceptualizing and creating the Center for the October parliamentary elections and the November presidential vote. The Media Center serves as a platform for the ISIE to communicate election related information to citizens, journalists, international organizations and other relevant stakeholders. It also brings transparency and credibility to the election process. Click through this photo gallery to see the impressive and important results of this effort.