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Публікація
Report/Paper
Peru Judicial Conference - Final Report
As agreed upon by all of the organizers and sponsors, the event was intended to and served multiple purposes. Among other things, it imparted a wealth of rich, new comparative information, as well as lessons learned, through a serious, well-organized discussion of judicial independence issues of concern to Peruvian and Latin American reformers alike. Key research findings and lessons learned were gleaned from both the Guide for Promoting Judicial Independence and Impartiality, in special reports related specifically to Peru and through thoughtful discussions and papers presented by country, regional and international experts.
January 27, 2002
Публікація
Report/Paper
Judicial Independence Conference Lima, Peru Nov 29-30, 2001
This report summarizes the Judicial Independence Conference in Lima, Peru from November 2001. The event was intended to and served multiple purposes. Among other things, it imparted a wealth of rich, new comparative information, as well as lessons learned, through a serious, well organized discussion of judicial independence.
January 27, 2002
Публікація
Report/Paper
IFES in Indonesia
-Legal and Constitutional Reform- IFES promotes legal and constitutional reform in Indonesia as part of an overall effort to encourage democracy in the region, working closely with key government agencies involved in drafting new electoral and political laws for the country. We have provided strategic advice and analysis to the drafting team within the Ministry of Home and Regional Affairs (MoHARA) and will continue to provide expert commentary to the parliamentary commission charged with review of the draft laws submitted by the government. We have also produced a report on voting systems that could work under the new electoral laws, including detailed analysis of possible voting districts using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. In June 2002, IFES co-sponsored a Political Party Reform Conference with the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute. The conference was a working session for Indonesian political parties and broke ground on a number of innovative research projects in such areas as the influence of money in politics and the public’s opinion of Indonesian political parties. We presented a paper on electoral systems, such as open list proportional representation and multi-member district proportional representation, which could be used for the 2004 elections in Indonesia. IFES has taken the lead in addressing the issue of women’s representation in politics. In April 2002, we collaborated with an Indonesian NGO, GPSP, to develop an agenda for a nationwide training program and an action plan to increase women’s representation in local parliaments. The training program and action plan were presented at regional workshops where participants developed local strategies to address obstacles to women’s representation. -Election Administration- For four years IFES has provided technical advice to the Indonesian National Election Commission (KPU) and its Secretariat in such areas as electoral management, public relations, organizational structure and procurement policies. In May 2002, IFES embarked on a new initiative in the province of Aceh, participating in a seminar sponsored by the Center for Electoral Reform (CETRO) on the draft Qa’nun, or electoral law, for direct elections in the province. We made a presentation at the seminar on the timeframe required to prepare for such an important and complex election cycle. -Legislative Transparency- IFES is expanding efforts to increase legislative transparency, particularly at the local level. Through the use of an innovative program known as Local Consultative Forums (LCF), we have built strategic partnerships between local NGOs, community groups, businesses and government. The aim of the LCFs is to increase public awareness and input on issues of interest to the community and to coordinate the production of relevant radio and television programming for regional media. IFES began the program by producing and distributing an LCF handbook, which provides guidance in identifying community needs and methods for participation. We have then assisted local leaders to establish LCFs and facilitated the production of radio and television programs in conjunction with local government and civil society groups. IFES also works with the Indonesian parliament to provide citizens unfettered access to government institutions. In October 1999, we helped launch SWARA, a government affairs television channel based on C-SPAN in the United States. SWARA airs 24 hours per day and features live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings. Coverage has recently been expanded and enhanced through a number of original new shows, including interviews with the heads of factions, coverage of leadership activities, profiles of parliamentary members, and highlights of key debates and activities within the parliament. SWARA has also extended its coverage in key regions outside of Jakarta where provincial parliaments (DPRD) have requested SWARA programming. SWARA recently began to broadcast DPRD sessions from the troubled province of Aceh in an attempt to make the local government more transparent to the Acehnese people. SWARA also broadcasts DPRD sessions in East Java and Sulawesi. -National and Regional Surveys- IFES has played a lead role in the design, implementation and analysis of public opinion surveys in Indonesia since 1998. Under the auspices of the parliament, we conducted a national public opinion poll in 2002. The poll revealed public perceptions on a wide range of topics, including the performance of the Indonesian government and national leaders, the popularity of political parties, the electoral law reform process and regional autonomy. The results of the survey were presented to the two houses of parliament, their secretariats, the president and her cabinet. These surveys enable government institutions to develop policies that take into account the beliefs and aspirations of the Indonesian people. IFES also recently conducted a public opinion survey in the semi-autonomous region of West Papua in collaboration with eight Papuan research institutes and universities. The survey evaluated the knowledge, opinions, practices and attitudes of people living in West Papua, and the findings will be analyzed for opportunities to create a stable and peaceful society in this ethnically diverse province.
December 31, 2001
Публікація
Survey
Survey Report of Election Officials in the Republic of Macedonia: Parliamentary Elections 2002
On September 15, 2002 the Republic of Macedonia held its third parliamentary election since it seceded from Yugoslavia in 1991. The election had special significance because it followed a period of armed conflict, an internationally-brokered Framework Agreement, and a still-fragile multi-ethnic environment. Many parts of Northern Macedonia suffered substantial infrastructure damage during the conflict. Added to this was the significant population movement within and from the crisis areas. These factors proved challenging to conducting the elections. In addition, there was new election legislation that required new procedures and operations, unfamiliar to election officials and new election management bodies. Shortly after the elections, the SEC and IFES Macedonia decided that it would be useful to conduct an opinion survey of election officials in Macedonia. It was hoped that this exercise would help the newly created SEC establish itself as a permanent entity, as envisioned by the legislation that created it. IFES Macedonia contracted Strategic Marketing and Media Research Institute (SMMRI), a survey and marketing organization in Skopje, to conduct the survey. The principal objective of the project was to assist the SEC in measuring the attitudes of electoral officials regarding the election process in general, and with specific reference to the 2002 parliamentary elections. It also aimed to solicit recommendations for how to improve election administration in Macedonia. This survey was conducted between February 21 and March 6, 2003 with 1,328 election officials throughout Macedonia. A total of 25 Regional Election Commission (REC) officials, 120 Municipal Election Commission (MEC) officials, and 1,183 Electoral Board (EB) officials were interviewed for the survey. The REC and MEC officials were randomly selected from the total population of REC and MEC officials who worked on the 2002 parliamentary election. The sample for EB officials used a two-stage probability sample and covered all major regions with probability proportional to the registered voters in each region. The fieldwork and data processing, as well as a significant portion of the data analysis for this survey were conducted by SMMRI.
December 31, 2001
Публікація
Report/Paper
Election Observation Mission; Honduras General Elections, Nov 25, 2001, Final Report
This report summarizes IFES election observations in Honduras (2001). The report discusses the current (circa 2001) electoral system and the training of poll-workers, voter registration and vote counts
December 30, 2001
Публікація
Report/Paper
Technical Assistance Report on Republic of the Congo-Brazzaville (2001)
This report summarizes the work conducted by IFES consultant Theo Noel in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo from August 15 to October 1, 2001. Funding for this technical mission was provided to IFES by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Cooperative Agreement #AEP-I-00-95-00038-00 with the Consortium for Election Processes and Political Strengthening (CEPPS). In addition to providing the Congolese government with a range of technical recommendations following its March assessment visit, IFES informed the government of its availability to return to Congo to assist the DAE in preparing for the referendum and elections. On July 24th 2001, IFES received an invitation from the Congolese government to provide assistance to the DAE. Mr. Noel’s visit to Brazzaville was organized by IFES in response to that invitation. The content of this report draws on weekly reports transmitted to IFES in Washington by Mr. Noel. The information included in this report, as well as its appendices, was shared with government and civil society interlocutors in Congo prior to Mr. Noel’s departure from Brazzaville. The report is arranged in five sections: 1) legal texts; 2) overview of technical support to the Division of Electoral Affairs (DAE) of the Ministry of the Interior, Security and Territorial Administration (MISAT); 3) technical support to NGOs; 4) European Union/IFES relations; and, 5) recommendations. Excerpts or verbatim copies of the technical documents prepared by Mr. Noel in the Congo are found in the appendices.
December 26, 2001
Публікація
Report/Paper
Opportunity for Electoral Reform: Election Administration
This report provides analysis of the current structures and institutions of election administration in Indonesia and offers recommendations for improving their performance. The report assesses operations of these administrative bodies in light of experience of June 1999 general elections and June 2000 changes to Indonesia’s election law. Comparative information regarding international practices and experiences in election administration is utilized to illustrate important points. However, the report recognizes the need for Indonesian practices to fit Indonesian cultural and political circumstances. Because the report’s focus is on core issues of organizational operations in election administration, many other important and related issues for electoral reform are not addressed. IFES is engaged in providing ongoing technical assistance to Indonesian officials and election experts in other areas, such as political finance regulation and complaint adjudication. Also, this report does not consider in detail several major issues that are still being debated in Indonesia, such as the method of electing the President, or whether to adopt a “single member constituency” rather than a proportional representation electoral system.
November 30, 2001
Публікація
Report/Paper
Opportunity for Electoral Reform in Indonesia: CEPPS Final Report
This report provides analysis of the current structures and institutions of election administration in Indonesia and offers recommendations for improving their performance. The report assesses operations of these administrative bodies in light of experience of June 1999 general elections and June 2000 changes to Indonesia’s election law. Comparative information regarding international practices and experiences in election administration is utilized to illustrate important points. However, the report recognizes the need for Indonesian practices to fit Indonesian cultural and political circumstances. Because the report’s focus is on core issues of organizational operations in election administration, many other important and related issues for electoral reform are not addressed. IFES is engaged in providing ongoing technical assistance to Indonesian officials and election experts in other areas, such as political finance regulation and complaint adjudication. Also, this report does not consider in detail several major issues that are still being debated in Indonesia, such as the method of electing the President, or whether to adopt a “single member constituency” rather than a proportional representation electoral system. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS I SCOPE OF REPORT II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY III INTRODUCTION A Election Circumstances B Election Administration 1. Legislative Framework 2. Administrative Arrangements 3. Operational Performance 4. Enforcement of Electoral Law 5. Reform of Election Administration IV ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IN A DEMOCRACY A Principles B Elements V OVERVIEW OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION IN INDONESIA A Structure B Composition & Appointment C Duties & Powers D Secretariats 1. National Level 2. Provincial and Lower Levels VI STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF NATIONAL ELECTION COMMISSION (KPU) A Management Structures for the 1999 Elections 1. KPU Committees 2. KPU Secretariat B Lessons from the 1999 General Elections 1. Independence & Impartiality 2. Structure 3. Operations C Reorganization & Reform: 1. Recommendations 2. Powers, Responsibilities and Accountability a. Powers b. Role of PPI c. Responsibilities d. Accountability e. Remuneration 3. KPU Secretariat a. Secretary General b. Accountability of the Secretary General c. Relationship Between KPU and Secretary General d. Secretariat Staff Appointments and Conditions of Service 4. Organizational Structure of the KPU Secretariat 5. Priorities a. Timetable VII STRUCTURE & OPERATIONS OF IMPLEMENTING ELECTION COMMITTEES A Lessons from the 1999 General Elections B Reorganization & Reform: Recommendations 1. Structure, Duties & Powers 2. Composition & Appointment a. Party Representation b. Organizational Requirements and Characteristics c. Secretariat 3. Coordination, Communication & Logistics a. Election Materials VIII GENERAL ISSUES OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION A Election Law 1. Timing of Election Law Review 2. Content of Election Law B Financial Autonomy & Accountability 1. Budgetary Planning 2. Source of KPU Funding 3. Responsibilities for Funding Elections 4. Financial Controls C Transparency and Integrity 1. Independence & Impartiality 2. Conduct of KPU & Election Committee Members & Staff 3. Open Access to KPU & Election Committee Activities & Information 4. Reporting and Accountability 5. External Auditing 6. International Linkages D Internal Management Improvement E Recruitment & Training 1. Recruitment of Secretariat Staff 2. Training and Professional Development 3. Training for External Organizations F Role of Political Parties 1. KPU, PPD-I & PPD-II Levels 2. PPS, PPK & KPPS Levels G Voter Registration H Vote Counting & Consolidation I Complaint Adjudication J Impact of Potential Change K Regional Autonomy IX CONCLUSION X SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS XI APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Summary of Main Features of National Election Management Bodies Appendix 2 – International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Code of Conduct for Ethical and Professional Administration of Elections Appendix 3 – Text of Amending Law No 4 of 2000 to Law No 3 Of 1999 on General Elections Appendix 4 – Current Members of the National Election Commission (KPU) Appendix 5 – National Election Commission (KPU) Secretariat Organizational Chart, 1999 Election Appendix 6 – Proposed New Organizational Chart for Secretariat of National Election Commission (KPU) Appendix 7 – Service Conditions of Election Management Body Secretariats
November 30, 2001
Публікація
Report/Paper
Lima Declaration on Judicial Independence
IFES organized a conference on judicial independence in Lima, Peru, in November 2001 to roll out the recently released IFES/USAID publication entitled Judicial Independence Guide: Guidance for Promoting Judicial Independence and Impartiality. The Lima Declaration was developed during the conference with a view to prioritizing judicial independence issues, developing specific strategies to implement short and long-term reforms and identifying specific programs and best practices.
November 29, 2001
Публікація
Report/Paper
Agenda for Country Workshop on Judicial Independence
IFES organized a conference on judicial independence in Lima, Peru, in November 2001 to roll out the recently released IFES/USAID publication entitled Judicial Independence Guide: Guidance for Promoting Judicial Independence and Impartiality. The two-day event, funded by USAID, brought together members of the judiciary, legislature and executive as well as legal professionals, members of civil society and representatives of the development community. The presentations engaged participants on a set of strategic issues related directly to Peruvian judicial independence within a global, regional and country context, including the dissemination and discussion of both country and comparative international research, best practices, emerging trends and lessons learned. The Lima Declaration was developed during the conference with a view to prioritizing judicial independence issues, developing specific strategies to implement short and long-term reforms and identifying specific programs and best practices.
November 27, 2001