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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
Promoting Gender Inclusion with Nepal’s Election Commission
In the last decade, Nepal has made significant progress in promoting gender equality and women’s political participation, including adopting women’s rights-focused international and national instruments as well as a gender quota in the 2007 interim Constitution.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
IFES Q&A with former Russia Project Director Christian Nadeau
Former IFES Russia Project Director Christian Nadeau has worked in international development and democracy promotion for twelve years in more than thirty countries. In this Q&A, Nadeau discusses highlights from his time with IFES Russia and best practices for success in helping countries implement credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
News & Updates
Press Release
IFES Condemns the Murder of Libyan Lawyer Intesar El-Hsairi
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is deeply saddened by the murder of Libyan lawyer and civil society activist Intesar El-Hsairi and strongly condemns this cowardly act of violence. We offer our condolences to her family and remember her dedication, commitment and ultimate sacrifice for women’s participation in the political process and equal rights in Libya.
News & Updates
Press Release
IFES Condemns Arrest and Intimidation of Venezuelan Opposition Leaders
The following is a statement by Bill Sweeney, President and CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), regarding the arrest and intimidation of several Venezuelan opposition leaders by the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.
News & Updates
Feature
President Bill Sweeney Reaffirms IFES’ Relationship with Egyptian Stakeholders
As Egypt prepares for parliamentary elections that will be held starting in March 2015, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) President and CEO Bill Sweeney traveled to Egypt to reaffirm IFES’ commitment to working with key Egyptian government stakeholders. At a reception held in Cairo on February 5, President Sweeney met with the spokesman of the High Elections Commission (HEC), Judge Omar Marwan, and Chairman of the State Information Service Ambassador Salah Abdel Sadek. They were joined by officials from the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Ministry of Transitional Justice; members of the diplomatic community, including representatives from the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Embassies of Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the European Union; and representatives from the United Nations Development Programme and the Arab League.
News & Updates
Feature
Citizens in Charge: Strengthening Participation in Latin America
An informed citizenry is crucial for a vibrant and resilient democracy. IFES engages in a variety of civic education activities in Latin America and the Caribbean, including informing voters of their rights and responsibilities and empowering them to have a voice in the way they are governed. These photos underscore the role citizens can play in democracy.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
IFES Q&A with Mariela López-Vargas
A former IFES Chief of Party in several countries, Mariela López-Vargas has more than 25 years of experience in international development. In this Q&A, López-Vargas discusses field work, the key variables to instilling public trust and credibility in the electoral process, and the greatest challenges facing democracy and governance projects.
News & Updates
Feature
Elections to Watch in 2015
Elections, as well as the issues and debates of electoral campaigns, provide insight into the responsiveness and resiliency of political systems and offer a convenient measure of the practice of democracy in a given country. This is true for countries with varying levels of experience with democracy, from those undergoing transition to those with long-established democratic practices. In this New Year, several countries will experience crossroads elections in which political and electoral systems are being tested and voters will be faced with clear choices. Tumult and turbulence – from the rising challenge of ISIS to the continued narco-violence in Latin America, from the Ebola pandemic to anemic economic conditions in many regions – form the backdrop for these critical contests at various socio-political crossroads.