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Elections for All: Empowering the Underrepresented
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees all individuals the freedom to partake in their nation’s government and political processes, including elections. Yet, many individuals around the world face barriers to full participation due to social, ethnic and economic inequalities. IFES’ programs empower these underrepresented populations to participate in political life in a variety of ways. This photo gallery provides some examples of our work in this area.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
In Georgia, a Historic Transfer of Power
Observers have lauded the October 1 elections as one of the most peaceful transfers of power in Georgia’s history. Nermin Nisic, IFES chief of party in Georgia, offers his reflections on Election Day, Georgia's democracy and what comes next.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Mexico: Voting for a Change
On Sunday, July 1 Mexicans cast their ballots in presidential and congressional elections. For voters, economic growth and the war on drugs were key issues.
News & Updates
Press Release
IFES, Indian Election Commission Sign Agreement for Increased Global Collaboration
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the Election Commission of India (ECI) today signed a memorandum of understanding deepening the organizations’ partnership in promoting democratic processes and good governance around the world.
News & Updates
Feature
22 Years Since Violeta Chamorro: Women’s Political Participation in Latin America Today
Rafael Lopez-Pintor, former IFES Chief of Party in Nicaragua and special adviser on the electoral cycle, talks to us about recent developments in the path to increased female political participation in Latin America and tells us how it compares to Violeta Chamorro’s tenure as Nicaragua’s—and the Americas’—first female president back in 1990.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES President and CEO On Technology in Elections
In August, the Instituto Federal Electoral (IFE), the Mexican elections commission, hosted a four-day conference to explore key electoral topics, including challenges in the administration and organization of elections; political and media rights in elections; and access to electoral justice. The conference brought together election experts, practitioners and academics from all over the world as well as government officials. The event took place in Morelia, Mexico.
News & Updates
Feature
U.S. Ambassador for Women’s Issues Visits IFES’ Garima Project in India
On September 14, 2010, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne S. Verveer visited the Garima project in New Delhi, India. Verveer helped launch the Garima project in November 2009 and returned to observe its progress during a recent visit to India. Garima, which means “dignity” in Hindi, works to enhance women’s participation in political, economic and social processes, encourage political advocacy, and curb practices such as gender-based violence, female feticide and child marriage. The project is implemented by IFES and Counterpart International and collaborates with several nongovernmental organizations in India.
News & Updates
Feature
Election Day in Tbilisi, Georgia
Throughout the month of May, Georgia prepared for elections to choose representatives to local councils (sakrebulos) as well as the mayor of the capital city of Tbilisi. This represents the first time that voters would directly elect a mayor. IFES contributed to pre-election preparations through a number of initiatives, including sponsoring live television debates featuring the Tbilisi mayoral candidates; supporting local organizations to get out the vote, produce debates, and observe the election; facilitating a Memorandum of Understanding on the Abuse of Administrative Resources; producing voter education posters, leaflets, and T-shirts; and other activities. Election Day, May 30, 2010, was peaceful and orderly. The OSCE noted deficiencies in the electoral framework and the uneven playing field, but called these elections "evident progress" towards Georgia meeting its international commitments.
News & Updates
Feature
Televised Candidate Debate in Tbilisi, Georgia
In anticipation of local elections at the end of the month, IFES organized and sponsored live, televised candidate debates for the post of mayor of Tbilisi, Georgia, together with Georgian Public Broadcasting. These debates represent a first in Georgian democracy – live debates featuring candidates running for office have never been produced before.
News & Updates
Feature
Elections in Rajasthan, India
India, which proudly calls itself the world's largest democracy, goes to the polls in phases. On May 7, 2009, the 4th of 5 phases took place. This phase involved 95 million voters, 130,000 polling stations, 1315 candidates and 600,000 poll workers. Unlike some states which partake in multiple phases, all of Rajasthan voted during phase IV. Rajasthan is one of the two states in India where IFES supports Indian organizations in implementing programs on women's empowerment. These photos were taken by these partner organizations.