International Foundation for Electoral Systems
Encyclopedia
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is an international, non-profit organization
founded in 1987. This Washington, D. C.-based development organization provides assistance and support for elections in new and emerging democracies. Since 1987, IFES has provided assistance in 133 countries and it currently has programs in over 30 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas..
To underscore its independent approach, IFES is supervised by a Board of Directors made up of equal parts Democrats, Republicans and members of the international community. The president of IFES is Bill Sweeney. He replaced Jean-Pierre Kingsley
in 2009. IFES maintains a number of field offices in country led by Chiefs of Party, who supervise and organize IFES's activities in each region.
on September 19, 1987 as a direct response to Ronald Reagan
’s 1982 Westminster speech in which he stressed the importance of promoting democracy. IFES was established along with other organizations focusing on democracy promotion, including the National Endowment for Democracy
(NED), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
(NDI), and the International Republican Institute
(IRI), all established in 1983.
an general elections of that year.
By 1990, IFES had established its first field office in Haiti
..
In 1991, IFES convened a conference which established the Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials (ACEEEO), its first cooperative agreement with USAID, and opened a new Resource Center. In 1991, a conference convened by IFES established the Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials
(ACEEEO).
In 1995, IFES embarked on a joint venture with International Republican Institute
and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
to create the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening
(CEPPS).. This is a cooperative agreement supervised by the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) Office of Democracy and Governance which is the principal contractor for the Office of Democracy and Government's elections and political processes program which provides technical assistance and support to USAID missions worldwide.
In 1995, IFES also accomplished its first surveys in Russia
and Ukraine
. The first IFES-created non-government organization, CENTRAS, also became private at this time as a continuation of the IFES’s “Civic Voice” project in Romania.
In 1996, IFES received its first international appointment from Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
(OSCE: Bosnia and Herzegovina) and, in 1997, worked with the Association of Caribbean Electoral Organizations (ACEO) to adopt the San Juan Declaration which is IFES’ first disability effort.
In 1998, IFES partnered up with International IDEA and UNDESA, with funding from USAID, to release the Administration and Cost of Elections project. ACE became one of the most valued and best-known international depositories of knowledge on managing elections, focused on the administrative and cost implications of the choices available. In 2006 the name was changed to the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network (with the letters ACE no longer standing for Administration and Cost of Elections) and launched a new dynamic online knowledge repository that provides information and advice on improving elections and the elections process.
In 1998, IFES also opened its first field office in Asia located in the Philippines
.
In 1999, as part of its youth and elections programs, IFES introduces a 10-day Summer Democracy Camp for middle and high school students. The Democracy Camps teach youngsters about democracy and how to participate in the political process. The first Democracy Camp program was in Uzbekistan
during the summer of 1999.
In 2002, IFES worked on its first ever domestic projects which focused on the 2002 Florida Elections.
In 2002, voters with disabilities were able to use IFES’ Tactile Ballot Guide in Sierra Leone
's May 2002 presidential and parliamentary elections. This was the first time in Africa that the visually impaired were able to cast their ballots unassisted and in secret.
In 2003, IFES acquired The Center for Democracy, an organization founded in 1985 by Allen Weinstein
.
In 2005, IFES established the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards to pay tribute to outstanding men and women who are committed to freedom and democracy, just like Ambassador Manatt. IFES awards three individuals each year: one Democrat, one Republican, and a member of the international community to highlight the fact that democracy work transcends political barriers and national borders.
As part of IFES’ 20th anniversary, in 2007, it hosted the fourth Global Electoral Organization Conference
(GEO Conference) in Washington. This conference brought together 200 election officials and democracy advocates from 67 countries to discuss the most pressing issues in the field of election administration.
Tailored Approach – Every IFES project is staffed by national and international personnel while partnering with local election management bodies and civil society organizations. This homegrown approach ensures that the expertise offered by IFES fits the needs of the country or client, and that the benefit of assistance outlasts the life of the project. IFES understands that no one approach is the same and each project must work to integrate IFES expertise into existing local institution to build strong election processes.
Citizens’ Rights to Participate in Fair Elections – IFES is committed to ensuring citizens understand their rights and that all citizens be included in the governmental process. In order to ensure these two goals are reached, a political “space” must exist where citizens can debate, join groups, and mobilize for change without being threatened or intimidated. The legitimacy of a government is often measured by its interactions with the citizens who take part in these groups.
Building Local Capacity – IFES projects are staffed with local personnel, international experts and partnered with local organizations. With this homegrown approach, IFES ensures the expertise it offers fits the needs of the country or client and the benefit of assistance outlasts the life of the project.
Independent and Neutral – Perhaps the most important aspect of the IFES approach is political neutrality. IFES is an independent development agency and never associates with a political party domestically or internationally. Each project is focused solely on technical assistance in building strong electoral processes.
Recognized Expertise – IFES was founded in 1987 and since then it has provided assistance in 133 countries. These projects span work with developing democracies to mature, well-established democracies. With over 20 years of experience, IFES has gained a wealth of knowledge and the tools to create and promote effective government institutions and enhance the electoral process.
U.S. Government
State & Municipal Governments
Bilateral Donors
Multilateral Donors
Major Foundations/Nonprofits
This section provides insight into IFES activities from third party sources.
African Union
IFES collaborates with the African Union
Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU). With IFES's help the DEAU was able to make 8 election observation missions in 2008. This support was done in conjunction with the Carter Center and the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa
(EISA).
Angola
IFES provided assistance to Angola for its 2008 Election. IFES has a permanent office there.
Burundi
Beginning in 2000, IFES supports Burundi
in anti-corruption, government transition and Civil Society projects.
Gabon
IFES supported the claims of opposition leader Mamboundou, in his claims that the Gabon Presidential Elections 2009 were corrupt.
Guinea
In August 2009, IFES's regional director for Africa, Almani Cyllah, said that Guinea should embark on free and fair elections. IFES, though present in the country and optimistic that elections would happen in 2010, thinks that junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara
's decision to run or not in the 2010 elections will determine if the election is fair.
Liberia
Leading up to the 1997 elections in Liberia, USAID provided IFES with a substantial grant for technical assistance and the purchase of election equipment They were also responsible for overseeing the sub-grants to the Carter Center and the Friends of Liberia in order to conduct observations of the election. Also, IFES gave a subgrant to the Foundation Hirondelle in order to establish STAR radio
. IFES continued to fund STAR radio as part of its "good governance" support for Liberia
until at least 2001. Despite these grants, the election commission never supplied enough information to IFES for acquisition so was unable to complete its support efficiently
In 2009, A $17.5 million contract was offered to Liberia with IFES as the conduit. This money is meant to support the National Election Commission
in the Presidential election of 2011 and the General Election of 2014.
Kenya
In response nationwide deterioration into violence after the 2007 Kenyan elections
, IFES did a study which proposed a series of suggestions which could help reform the electoral system.
Nigeria
In 2008 IFES provided technical analysis of the electoral system in Nigeria, paritally in response to the problematic 2007 elections.
With these recommendation in mind, IFES, the International Republican Institute
and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
sponsored a discussion of electoral reform in Nigeria
in March 2009. The conference, titled "National Dialogue on Electoral Reform", discussed the electoral reform process as well as the recommendations provided by the Electoral Reform Committee. The event was attended by a number of political leaders in the country, including a Chief Justice and Head of State General.
USAID, along with the Organization of American States
, commissioned IFES to conduct a study on the possibility of holding elections in Cuba
.
Nicaragua
Between 2005 and 2008, IFES provided support for the Supreme Electoral Council
, the Nicaraguan Election management body
. IFES was forced to withdraw its programs in the country in December 2008, because of intimidation and pressure from the Sandinistas after the political party consolidated power and forced opposition political parties out of the country's politics.
Paraguay
IFES deployed 19 election observers in the 2008 Paraguayan presidential election
.
IFES began working in Armenia leading up to the 1995 Armenian Elections
.
In 2001, IFES selected the Women's Republican Council
in Armenia to be its prime indigenous partner in an effort to encourage the participation of Armenian women in the election process. This was part of a larger project titled "Citizen's Awareness and Participation Project".
IFES has partnerships with disability organizations in Armenia. In 2004, IFES, along with the NGOs Lusatgh and Paros
, hosted a discussion among government election officials, NGOs and international organizations to help improve the access of disabled voters to the election process.
In 2007, IFES received funding from USAID and the RA Central Election Commission to train all members of provide training for the 17,000 members of precinct Electoral Commissions.
The IFES Armenian field office, the RA Central Election Commission and the Association of European Election Officials (ACEEO) sponsored the 18th annual conference "Judicial Protection of Electoral Rights" September 3–5, 2009 in Yerevan
.
Russia
IFES, IRI and NDI were principal recipients of USAID contracts to help Russia establish democratic institutions during the Clinton Administration. During the Boris Yeltsin
years, IFES acted like an election and democracy information clearing house. IFES also helped the Russian Central Election Commission train election administrators and create voter education programs. After Yeltsin, IFES left, creating the organization titled the Institute for Election Systems Development
, a local organization that continued the activities of IFES when it discontinued its own activities.
Since September 2004 IFES has provided technical support to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). This support is part of a $40 million grant to both IFES and an agreement with the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening
(CEPPS). The grant was designed to help IHEC establish an election administration body, establish facilities, gain security for election equipment, and recruit and train election staff. This program was done in conjunction with the UN Election Assistance Mission in Iraq
.
During the period before the January 30, 2005 Elections in Iraq
, IFES was the main supporter of the United States government and the Iraqi Independent Electoral Commission in establishing democratic institutions. Condoleezza Rice
saw the election as "due in no small part to [IFES's] diligence and the dedication of [their] highly skilled staff. IFES's guidance on election regulations and operations,complaints adjudication, and public information not only helped to ensure transparency but also served to buoy confidence that these historic elections were indeed credible and transparent." IFES continued to maintain a presence in Iraq after those elections.
Lebanon
IFES began working in Lebanon in 2005. Currently, IFES sponsors the Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union
(LPHU) which actively advocates the accessibility of polling places by the handicapped. LPHU found in a recent survey that less than 1% of the polling places in the country of Lebanon
are fully accessible by the handicapped
.
West Bank/Gaza
IFES has been an active contractor since 2003 with the Elections Reform Support Group (ESRG). ESRG is an international initiative to support the reform of elections in Palestine. This initiative, a cooperative between the Quartet and the UN, wants to improve the potential for safe and democratic elections in this region.
Marc Lynch
, of Foreign Policy magazine, says, in an article commenting on the potential of elections in Palestine that "this new paper from IFES makes clear" that holding elections in Palestine will not be easy.
Yemen
IFES has participated in the electoral process in Yemen since 1993. They established a permanent office in Sana'a
in 1999. Currently the field office in Yemen
is headed by Peter Williams
, the country director. The IFES field office in Yemen works with the Supreme Commission of Election and Referendum (SCER) in Yemen, headed by Khalid al-Sharif. They have cooperated to create training for the local election officials. IFES actively cooperates in enacting both parties agendas, which include training programs, building democratic institutions and raising awareness of democratic ideas. the president of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh
, supports the programs advocated by IFES. In 2009, IFES met with the SCER to reach another agreement which would pursue IFES support of training, rehabilitation, institutional capacities, election awareness and strengthening women's participation in the electoral process.
While reviewing the election voter lists of Yemen, IFES found 160,000 case of fraud including registration of under-age voters and repeating names.
Also, IFES, with the help of the European Union
and the Cultural Development Fund, supports the increased rights of women as they begin to take part in Yemen's Assembly of Representatives. The SCER talked with IFES about women participation on June 10, 2009, and Yemen acknowledged IFES's support of the cause.
Annual Report
Each year IFES publishes an Annual Report to discuss the accomplishments IFES has made throughout the year from January to December. The report discusses major projects, awards, fellowships, and publications IFES has participated in over the year. These reports began as biennial repo rts in 2001 until 2008 when IFES began publishing the report annually. The Annual Report is free and available in PDF form from the IFES website.
Buyer's Guide to Election Supplies
IFES annually updates and distributes a catalogue of election vendors and technology titled Buyer's Guide to Election. This guide is an industry-specific directory featuring information about companies selling voting equipment, electoral supplies and related professional services. The Buyers Guide is sent to every national election authority in the world gratis.
In 2011, IFES printed a number of publications. This is a list of those publications:
Tunisia Voter Registration & Voter Confidence Assessment Survey
IFES Indonesia: Electoral Survey 2010
Civil and Voter Registries: Lessons learned from Global Experiences. In partnership with USAID.
Electronic Voting and Counting Technologies: A Guide to Feasibility Studies
Assessing Electoral Fraud in New Democracies: A New Strategic Approach
International Election Support: Helping or Hindering Democratic Elections?
The Strategic Use of Gender Quotas in the Arab World
Results from the 2011 Post-Election Survey in Kosovo
Duality by Design: The Iranian Electoral System
Palestinian Local Elections 2011
Elections in Tunisia: Key Challenges for Credible and Competitive Elections
Elections in Tunisia: Steps towards elections in 2011
Elections in Egypt: Key Challenges for Credible and Competitive Elections
Elections in Egypt: Lessons from the 2011 Constitutional Referendum and the Constitutional Declaration
Executive Managers include the following:
Board
Current Board Members include the following:
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
founded in 1987. This Washington, D. C.-based development organization provides assistance and support for elections in new and emerging democracies. Since 1987, IFES has provided assistance in 133 countries and it currently has programs in over 30 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas..
To underscore its independent approach, IFES is supervised by a Board of Directors made up of equal parts Democrats, Republicans and members of the international community. The president of IFES is Bill Sweeney. He replaced Jean-Pierre Kingsley
Jean-Pierre Kingsley
Jean-Pierre Kingsley was the President and CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. He was the Chief Electoral Officer of Elections Canada, before he stepped down in December 2006. On April 28, 2009 he announced his resignation as President of IFES. He was succeeded by Bill...
in 2009. IFES maintains a number of field offices in country led by Chiefs of Party, who supervise and organize IFES's activities in each region.
History
IFES was founded by F. Clifton WhiteF. Clifton White
Frederick Clifton White was a U.S. political consultant and campaign manager for candidates of the Republican Party and the New York Conservative Party, as well as foreign clients...
on September 19, 1987 as a direct response to Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
’s 1982 Westminster speech in which he stressed the importance of promoting democracy. IFES was established along with other organizations focusing on democracy promotion, including the National Endowment for Democracy
National Endowment for Democracy
The National Endowment for Democracy, or NED, is a U.S. non-profit organization that was founded in 1983 to promote US-friendly democracy by providing cash grants funded primarily through an annual allocation from the U.S. Congress...
(NED), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs is an organization created by the United States government by way of the National Endowment for Democracy to channel grants for furthering democracy in developing nations. It was founded in 1983, shortly after the U.S. Congress created...
(NDI), and the International Republican Institute
International Republican Institute
Founded in 1983, the International Republican Institute is an organization, funded by the United States government, that conducts international political programs, sometimes labeled 'democratization programs'....
(IRI), all established in 1983.
Major Events
In 1989, IFES began its first project, which focused on the ParaguayParaguay
Paraguay , officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest. Paraguay lies on both banks of the Paraguay River, which runs through the center of the...
an general elections of that year.
By 1990, IFES had established its first field office in Haiti
Haiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
..
In 1991, IFES convened a conference which established the Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials (ACEEEO), its first cooperative agreement with USAID, and opened a new Resource Center. In 1991, a conference convened by IFES established the Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials
Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials
The Association of European Election Officials or ACEEEO is an organization of election management bodies founded in 1991 to promote the institutionalization and professionalization of democratic procedures in Europe...
(ACEEEO).
In 1995, IFES embarked on a joint venture with International Republican Institute
International Republican Institute
Founded in 1983, the International Republican Institute is an organization, funded by the United States government, that conducts international political programs, sometimes labeled 'democratization programs'....
and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs is an organization created by the United States government by way of the National Endowment for Democracy to channel grants for furthering democracy in developing nations. It was founded in 1983, shortly after the U.S. Congress created...
to create the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening
Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening
The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening is a cooperative agreement supervised by the United States Agency for International Development Office of Democracy and Governance made in 1995...
(CEPPS).. This is a cooperative agreement supervised by the United States Agency for International Development
United States Agency for International Development
The United States Agency for International Development is the United States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. President John F. Kennedy created USAID in 1961 by executive order to implement development assistance programs in the areas...
(USAID) Office of Democracy and Governance which is the principal contractor for the Office of Democracy and Government's elections and political processes program which provides technical assistance and support to USAID missions worldwide.
In 1995, IFES also accomplished its first surveys in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
and Ukraine
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It has an area of 603,628 km², making it the second largest contiguous country on the European continent, after Russia...
. The first IFES-created non-government organization, CENTRAS, also became private at this time as a continuation of the IFES’s “Civic Voice” project in Romania.
In 1996, IFES received its first international appointment from Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, human rights, freedom of the press and fair elections...
(OSCE: Bosnia and Herzegovina) and, in 1997, worked with the Association of Caribbean Electoral Organizations (ACEO) to adopt the San Juan Declaration which is IFES’ first disability effort.
In 1998, IFES partnered up with International IDEA and UNDESA, with funding from USAID, to release the Administration and Cost of Elections project. ACE became one of the most valued and best-known international depositories of knowledge on managing elections, focused on the administrative and cost implications of the choices available. In 2006 the name was changed to the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network (with the letters ACE no longer standing for Administration and Cost of Elections) and launched a new dynamic online knowledge repository that provides information and advice on improving elections and the elections process.
In 1998, IFES also opened its first field office in Asia located in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
.
In 1999, as part of its youth and elections programs, IFES introduces a 10-day Summer Democracy Camp for middle and high school students. The Democracy Camps teach youngsters about democracy and how to participate in the political process. The first Democracy Camp program was in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan , officially the Republic of Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia and one of the six independent Turkic states. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the west and to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, and Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south....
during the summer of 1999.
In 2002, IFES worked on its first ever domestic projects which focused on the 2002 Florida Elections.
In 2002, voters with disabilities were able to use IFES’ Tactile Ballot Guide in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone , officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest. Sierra Leone covers a total area of and has an estimated population between 5.4 and 6.4...
's May 2002 presidential and parliamentary elections. This was the first time in Africa that the visually impaired were able to cast their ballots unassisted and in secret.
In 2003, IFES acquired The Center for Democracy, an organization founded in 1985 by Allen Weinstein
Allen Weinstein
Allen Weinstein is an American historian, educator, and federal official who has served in several different offices. He served as the Archivist of the United States from February 16, 2005 until his resignation on December 19, 2008...
.
In 2005, IFES established the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards to pay tribute to outstanding men and women who are committed to freedom and democracy, just like Ambassador Manatt. IFES awards three individuals each year: one Democrat, one Republican, and a member of the international community to highlight the fact that democracy work transcends political barriers and national borders.
As part of IFES’ 20th anniversary, in 2007, it hosted the fourth Global Electoral Organization Conference
Global Electoral Organization Conference
The Global Electoral Organization Conference is an invitation-only conference which aims to "bring together electoral practitioners and experts to exchange knowledge and share experiences, to provide a forum for networking, to present opportunities for provoking debate and promoting initiatives."...
(GEO Conference) in Washington. This conference brought together 200 election officials and democracy advocates from 67 countries to discuss the most pressing issues in the field of election administration.
Approach
IFES helps enhance citizen participation by providing technical assistance and applying recognized expertise to the electoral cycle in countries around the world. Every IFES project is tailored to the local culture of each country to ensure a homegrown approach.Tailored Approach – Every IFES project is staffed by national and international personnel while partnering with local election management bodies and civil society organizations. This homegrown approach ensures that the expertise offered by IFES fits the needs of the country or client, and that the benefit of assistance outlasts the life of the project. IFES understands that no one approach is the same and each project must work to integrate IFES expertise into existing local institution to build strong election processes.
Citizens’ Rights to Participate in Fair Elections – IFES is committed to ensuring citizens understand their rights and that all citizens be included in the governmental process. In order to ensure these two goals are reached, a political “space” must exist where citizens can debate, join groups, and mobilize for change without being threatened or intimidated. The legitimacy of a government is often measured by its interactions with the citizens who take part in these groups.
Building Local Capacity – IFES projects are staffed with local personnel, international experts and partnered with local organizations. With this homegrown approach, IFES ensures the expertise it offers fits the needs of the country or client and the benefit of assistance outlasts the life of the project.
Independent and Neutral – Perhaps the most important aspect of the IFES approach is political neutrality. IFES is an independent development agency and never associates with a political party domestically or internationally. Each project is focused solely on technical assistance in building strong electoral processes.
Recognized Expertise – IFES was founded in 1987 and since then it has provided assistance in 133 countries. These projects span work with developing democracies to mature, well-established democracies. With over 20 years of experience, IFES has gained a wealth of knowledge and the tools to create and promote effective government institutions and enhance the electoral process.
Funding
IFES receives funding from the following donors (among others) as listed on its website:U.S. Government
- Agency for International Development
- CIVITASCIVITASCivitas: The Institute for the Study of Civil Society was founded by David G. Green and Robert Whelan early in 2000 as an independent think tank. It is a British registered charity , financed by private donations...
/Department of EducationUnited States Department of EducationThe United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government... - Department of State
State & Municipal Governments
- Virginia State Board of Elections
- Board of Elections and Ethics, District of Columbia
- Election Commission of Puerto Rico
- Office of the Secretary of State of Minnesota
- Office of the Secretary of State of Nebraska
- St. Louis County Board of Elections
Bilateral Donors
- AusAID (Australia)
- CIDACIDAThings known by the initialism CIDA include:* Canadian International Development Agency* Centro de Investigaciones de Astronomia, Venezuelan institute of astronomical investigation* CIDA City Campus* Council for Interior Design Accreditation...
(Canada) - DFID (United Kingdom)
- Elections CanadaElections CanadaElections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency reporting directly to the Parliament of Canada. Its ongoing responsibility is to ensure that Canadians can exercise their choices in federal elections and referenda through an open and impartial process...
- Finnish Ministry for Foreign AffairsMinistry for Foreign Affairs (Finland)The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is a ministry in the Finnish Government and is responsible for preparing and implementing the government's foreign policy.-Organisation:...
- JICAJICAKF3 is a kart racing class for top drivers aged 12 to 15 .This class used to be called Junior Intercontinental A and has changed since January 2007 when CIK-FIA decided to replace the 100 cc air-cooled two-stroke engines with 125 cc Touch-and-Go water-cooled two-stroke...
(Japan) - Norwegian Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- SIDASidaSida may refer to:* Sida , a genus of cladoceran water fleas* Sida , a genus of flowering plants* SIDA, Security Identification Display Area, US FAA...
(Sweden)
Multilateral Donors
- Inter-American Development BankInter-American Development BankThe Inter-American Development Bank is the largest source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean...
- International Organization for MigrationInternational Organization for MigrationThe International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization. It was initially established in 1951 as the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration to help resettle people displaced by World War II....
- Organization of American StatesOrganization of American StatesThe Organization of American States is a regional international organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States...
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeOrganization for Security and Co-operation in EuropeThe Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, human rights, freedom of the press and fair elections...
- United NationsUnited NationsThe United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, UNDP, and other UN agencies
Major Foundations/Nonprofits
- British CouncilBritish CouncilThe British Council is a United Kingdom-based organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities. It is registered as a charity both in England and Wales, and in Scotland...
- Netherlands Institute for Multiparty DemocracyNetherlands Institute for Multiparty DemocracyThe Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy is a democracy assistance organisation of political parties in the Netherlands for political parties in young democracies...
- OSI Development Foundation
- Wallis FoundationWallis foundationThe Wallis Foundation is a foundation established by Hollywood producer Hal Wallis. The foundation funded CSU presidential Scholarships in 1999 and has provided donations to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. The foundation was established in 1959 and as of 2004 had over 44...
IFES Activities by Region
For an updated list of countries were IFES is active, visit its website at www.ifes.orgThis section provides insight into IFES activities from third party sources.
Africa
IFES lent significant support to the development of the AAEA.African Union
IFES collaborates with the African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU). With IFES's help the DEAU was able to make 8 election observation missions in 2008. This support was done in conjunction with the Carter Center and the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa
Electoral Institute of Southern Africa
The Electoral Institute for the Sustainability of Democracy in Africa , or EISA, is an organization founded in 1996 in Johannesburg to "promote credible elections, participatory democracy, human rights culture and the strengthening of governance institutions for the consolidation of democracy in...
(EISA).
Angola
IFES provided assistance to Angola for its 2008 Election. IFES has a permanent office there.
Burundi
Beginning in 2000, IFES supports Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
in anti-corruption, government transition and Civil Society projects.
Gabon
IFES supported the claims of opposition leader Mamboundou, in his claims that the Gabon Presidential Elections 2009 were corrupt.
Guinea
In August 2009, IFES's regional director for Africa, Almani Cyllah, said that Guinea should embark on free and fair elections. IFES, though present in the country and optimistic that elections would happen in 2010, thinks that junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara
Moussa Dadis Camara
Captain Moussa Dadis Camara now called Moïse Dadis Camara is an ex-officer of the Guinean army who served as the President of the Republic of Guinea's National Council for Democracy and Development , which seized power in a military coup d'état on 23 December 2008 after the...
's decision to run or not in the 2010 elections will determine if the election is fair.
Liberia
Leading up to the 1997 elections in Liberia, USAID provided IFES with a substantial grant for technical assistance and the purchase of election equipment They were also responsible for overseeing the sub-grants to the Carter Center and the Friends of Liberia in order to conduct observations of the election. Also, IFES gave a subgrant to the Foundation Hirondelle in order to establish STAR radio
STAR radio
STAR radio is a FM radio station in the West African nation of Liberia. Founded in 1997, it is independent of the country’s government. Headquartered in Monrovia, it broadcasts at the 104 FM frequency and via shortwave radio.-History:...
. IFES continued to fund STAR radio as part of its "good governance" support for Liberia
Liberia
Liberia , officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Sierra Leone on the west, Guinea on the north and Côte d'Ivoire on the east. Liberia's coastline is composed of mostly mangrove forests while the more sparsely populated inland consists of forests that open...
until at least 2001. Despite these grants, the election commission never supplied enough information to IFES for acquisition so was unable to complete its support efficiently
In 2009, A $17.5 million contract was offered to Liberia with IFES as the conduit. This money is meant to support the National Election Commission
National Election Commission (Liberia)
The National Elections Commission of the Republic of Liberia is an autonomous agency in Liberia that supervises the national elections of Liberia.-Staff:The following people were part of the election commission as of 2011:...
in the Presidential election of 2011 and the General Election of 2014.
Kenya
In response nationwide deterioration into violence after the 2007 Kenyan elections
Kenyan general election, 2007
Kenyan general election, 2007 was held on 27 December 2007 . It comprised Presidential, parliamentary and civic elections. The previous general election in Kenya was held in 2002.-See also:*Kenyan presidential election, 2007...
, IFES did a study which proposed a series of suggestions which could help reform the electoral system.
Nigeria
In 2008 IFES provided technical analysis of the electoral system in Nigeria, paritally in response to the problematic 2007 elections.
With these recommendation in mind, IFES, the International Republican Institute
International Republican Institute
Founded in 1983, the International Republican Institute is an organization, funded by the United States government, that conducts international political programs, sometimes labeled 'democratization programs'....
and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs is an organization created by the United States government by way of the National Endowment for Democracy to channel grants for furthering democracy in developing nations. It was founded in 1983, shortly after the U.S. Congress created...
sponsored a discussion of electoral reform in Nigeria
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
in March 2009. The conference, titled "National Dialogue on Electoral Reform", discussed the electoral reform process as well as the recommendations provided by the Electoral Reform Committee. The event was attended by a number of political leaders in the country, including a Chief Justice and Head of State General.
Americas
CubaUSAID, along with the Organization of American States
Organization of American States
The Organization of American States is a regional international organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States...
, commissioned IFES to conduct a study on the possibility of holding elections in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
.
Nicaragua
Between 2005 and 2008, IFES provided support for the Supreme Electoral Council
Supreme Electoral Council
The Supreme Electoral Council is an autonomous, public organization responsible for organizing elections in Nicaragua....
, the Nicaraguan Election management body
Election management body
An election management body or EMB is the authority in a nation charged with administering the electoral process. EMBs can be independent, mixed, judicial or governmental. The EMB may also be responsible for electoral boundary delimitation...
. IFES was forced to withdraw its programs in the country in December 2008, because of intimidation and pressure from the Sandinistas after the political party consolidated power and forced opposition political parties out of the country's politics.
Paraguay
IFES deployed 19 election observers in the 2008 Paraguayan presidential election
Paraguayan general election, 2008
The 2008 Paraguayan general election was held in Paraguay on April 20, 2008. This includes presidential, legislative, and local elections. The presidential election was won by opposition candidate Fernando Lugo of the Patriotic Alliance for Change, who defeated Blanca Ovelar of the long-ruling...
.
Asia
IFES has done considerable work in various parts of Asia including Afghanistan (since 2002), Azerbaijan (since 2000), Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines and Timor L'este (2001–2008). They have received major support in Bangladesh by UNDP. In the Philippines both the British government and USAID supplied much of the organizations support, whereas in Afghanistan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Timor L'este much of its monetary support has been from USAID. These programs have ranged from direct support of election commissions, such as the programs run in Azerbaijan and the Philippines, to surveys of opinion, as in Bangladesh, and providing technical supplies and support, such as in Pakistan.Europe
ArmeniaIFES began working in Armenia leading up to the 1995 Armenian Elections
Armenian parliamentary election, 1995
Parliamentary elections were held in Armenia on 5 July 1995, with a second round on 29 July. There were 150 constituency seats and 40 elected on a national basis using proportional representation...
.
In 2001, IFES selected the Women's Republican Council
Women's Republican Council
The Women's Republican Council is a women's NGO in the Republic of Armenia. There are 83 communities chapters in Armenia. The Chairwomen for the organization is Nora Hakopyan.-History:...
in Armenia to be its prime indigenous partner in an effort to encourage the participation of Armenian women in the election process. This was part of a larger project titled "Citizen's Awareness and Participation Project".
IFES has partnerships with disability organizations in Armenia. In 2004, IFES, along with the NGOs Lusatgh and Paros
Paros
Paros is an island of Greece in the central Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades island group, it lies to the west of Naxos, from which it is separated by a channel about wide. It lies approximately south-east of Piraeus. The Municipality of Paros includes numerous uninhabited offshore islets...
, hosted a discussion among government election officials, NGOs and international organizations to help improve the access of disabled voters to the election process.
In 2007, IFES received funding from USAID and the RA Central Election Commission to train all members of provide training for the 17,000 members of precinct Electoral Commissions.
The IFES Armenian field office, the RA Central Election Commission and the Association of European Election Officials (ACEEO) sponsored the 18th annual conference "Judicial Protection of Electoral Rights" September 3–5, 2009 in Yerevan
Yerevan
Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia and one of the world's oldest continuously-inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the administrative, cultural, and industrial center of the country...
.
Russia
IFES, IRI and NDI were principal recipients of USAID contracts to help Russia establish democratic institutions during the Clinton Administration. During the Boris Yeltsin
Boris Yeltsin
Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin was the first President of the Russian Federation, serving from 1991 to 1999.Originally a supporter of Mikhail Gorbachev, Yeltsin emerged under the perestroika reforms as one of Gorbachev's most powerful political opponents. On 29 May 1990 he was elected the chairman of...
years, IFES acted like an election and democracy information clearing house. IFES also helped the Russian Central Election Commission train election administrators and create voter education programs. After Yeltsin, IFES left, creating the organization titled the Institute for Election Systems Development
Institute for Election Systems Development
The Institute for Election Systems Development is an organization founded in 1999 to promote democracy in Russia.-History:IESD was founded in 1999 as the International Foundation for Electoral Systems withdrew from Russia...
, a local organization that continued the activities of IFES when it discontinued its own activities.
Middle East
IraqSince September 2004 IFES has provided technical support to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). This support is part of a $40 million grant to both IFES and an agreement with the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening
Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening
The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening is a cooperative agreement supervised by the United States Agency for International Development Office of Democracy and Governance made in 1995...
(CEPPS). The grant was designed to help IHEC establish an election administration body, establish facilities, gain security for election equipment, and recruit and train election staff. This program was done in conjunction with the UN Election Assistance Mission in Iraq
United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq is an entity that was formed by the United Nations in Security Council Resolution 1500 on 14 August 2003.-Mandate:...
.
During the period before the January 30, 2005 Elections in Iraq
Elections in Iraq
Elections in Iraq gives information on election and election results in Iraq.-History:Under the Iraqi constitution of 1925, Iraq was a constitutional monarchy, with a bicameral legislature consisting of an elected House of Representatives and an appointed Senate. The lower house was elected every...
, IFES was the main supporter of the United States government and the Iraqi Independent Electoral Commission in establishing democratic institutions. Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice is an American political scientist and diplomat. She served as the 66th United States Secretary of State, and was the second person to hold that office in the administration of President George W. Bush...
saw the election as "due in no small part to [IFES's] diligence and the dedication of [their] highly skilled staff. IFES's guidance on election regulations and operations,complaints adjudication, and public information not only helped to ensure transparency but also served to buoy confidence that these historic elections were indeed credible and transparent." IFES continued to maintain a presence in Iraq after those elections.
Lebanon
IFES began working in Lebanon in 2005. Currently, IFES sponsors the Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union
Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union
The Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union is a grass root's advocacy organization for the handicapped in Lebanon founded in 1981. Currently the organization is sponsored in its efforts to increase the accessibility of polling places for the Handicapped by the International Foundation for Electoral...
(LPHU) which actively advocates the accessibility of polling places by the handicapped. LPHU found in a recent survey that less than 1% of the polling places in the country of Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
are fully accessible by the handicapped
Disability
A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.Many people would rather be referred to as a person with a disability instead of handicapped...
.
West Bank/Gaza
IFES has been an active contractor since 2003 with the Elections Reform Support Group (ESRG). ESRG is an international initiative to support the reform of elections in Palestine. This initiative, a cooperative between the Quartet and the UN, wants to improve the potential for safe and democratic elections in this region.
Marc Lynch
Marc Lynch
Marc Lynch is an "Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs" at The George Washington University, where he is also director of both the Institute for Middle East Studies and the Middle East Studies Program. Lynch is also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for a New...
, of Foreign Policy magazine, says, in an article commenting on the potential of elections in Palestine that "this new paper from IFES makes clear" that holding elections in Palestine will not be easy.
Yemen
IFES has participated in the electoral process in Yemen since 1993. They established a permanent office in Sana'a
Sana'a
-Districts:*Al Wahdah District*As Sabain District*Assafi'yah District*At Tahrir District*Ath'thaorah District*Az'zal District*Bani Al Harith District*Ma'ain District*Old City District*Shu'aub District-Old City:...
in 1999. Currently the field office in Yemen
Yemen
The Republic of Yemen , commonly known as Yemen , is a country located in the Middle East, occupying the southwestern to southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, and Oman to the east....
is headed by Peter Williams
Peter Williams
Peter Williams is the name of:* Sir Peter Williams , former chairman of Oxford Instruments; Chancellor, University of Leicester* Peter Williams , New Zealand television presenter...
, the country director. The IFES field office in Yemen works with the Supreme Commission of Election and Referendum (SCER) in Yemen, headed by Khalid al-Sharif. They have cooperated to create training for the local election officials. IFES actively cooperates in enacting both parties agendas, which include training programs, building democratic institutions and raising awareness of democratic ideas. the president of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh
Ali Abdullah Saleh
Field Marshal Ali Abdullah Saleh is the first President of the Republic of Yemen. Saleh previously served as President of the Yemen Arab Republic from 1978 until 1990, at which time he assumed the office of chairman of the Presidential Council of a post-unification Yemen. He is the...
, supports the programs advocated by IFES. In 2009, IFES met with the SCER to reach another agreement which would pursue IFES support of training, rehabilitation, institutional capacities, election awareness and strengthening women's participation in the electoral process.
While reviewing the election voter lists of Yemen, IFES found 160,000 case of fraud including registration of under-age voters and repeating names.
Also, IFES, with the help of the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
and the Cultural Development Fund, supports the increased rights of women as they begin to take part in Yemen's Assembly of Representatives. The SCER talked with IFES about women participation on June 10, 2009, and Yemen acknowledged IFES's support of the cause.
Publications
Every year, IFES publishes white papers, reports, and books on issues pertaining to the electoral process and the countries IFES works in. In addition, IFES publishes an annual catalogue for election practioners:Annual Report
Each year IFES publishes an Annual Report to discuss the accomplishments IFES has made throughout the year from January to December. The report discusses major projects, awards, fellowships, and publications IFES has participated in over the year. These reports began as biennial repo rts in 2001 until 2008 when IFES began publishing the report annually. The Annual Report is free and available in PDF form from the IFES website.
Buyer's Guide to Election Supplies
IFES annually updates and distributes a catalogue of election vendors and technology titled Buyer's Guide to Election. This guide is an industry-specific directory featuring information about companies selling voting equipment, electoral supplies and related professional services. The Buyers Guide is sent to every national election authority in the world gratis.
In 2011, IFES printed a number of publications. This is a list of those publications:
Tunisia Voter Registration & Voter Confidence Assessment Survey
IFES Indonesia: Electoral Survey 2010
Civil and Voter Registries: Lessons learned from Global Experiences. In partnership with USAID.
Electronic Voting and Counting Technologies: A Guide to Feasibility Studies
Assessing Electoral Fraud in New Democracies: A New Strategic Approach
International Election Support: Helping or Hindering Democratic Elections?
The Strategic Use of Gender Quotas in the Arab World
Results from the 2011 Post-Election Survey in Kosovo
Duality by Design: The Iranian Electoral System
Palestinian Local Elections 2011
Elections in Tunisia: Key Challenges for Credible and Competitive Elections
Elections in Tunisia: Steps towards elections in 2011
Elections in Egypt: Key Challenges for Credible and Competitive Elections
Elections in Egypt: Lessons from the 2011 Constitutional Referendum and the Constitutional Declaration
Board and executives
ExecutiveExecutive Managers include the following:
- Bill Sweeney: President/CEO
- Carina Perelli: Executive Vice President
- Michael Svetlik: Vice President, Programs
- Kimberley Atsalinos: Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President of Contracts & Grants and Development
- Michael Bryan: Vice President/ Chief Financial Officer
- Daniela Colaiacovo: Director, Communications and Advocacy
- Anchal Gupta : Director, Human Resources
Board
Current Board Members include the following:
- Peter G. KellyPeter G. Kelly-Education:After education at Georgetown University and Yale Law School. Kelly founded his own law firm, Updike, Kelly and Spellacy.-Career:He served as Democratic National Committee finance chair, 1981-1985. He served as senior political advisor to Albert Gore, Jr...
, Chairman - William J. Hybl, Vice-Chairman
- The Honorable Leon J. Weil, Secretary
- Lesley Israel, Treasurer
- The Honorable Howard Henry Baker Jr.
- The Honorable Mary BanottiMary BanottiMary Elizabeth Banotti is an Irish former Fine Gael politician.-Early life and education:Mary O'Mahony was born in Dublin...
- Judy A. Black
- Ken BlackwellKen BlackwellJohn Kenneth Blackwell is an American politician and activist who served as the mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio from 1979 to 1980 and Ohio Secretary of State from 1999 to 2007. A Republican, he was the first African-American to be the candidate for governor of a major party in Ohio. In 2006, Blackwell...
- Sean Cleary
- The Honorable Paula Jon Dobriansky
- Frederick P. Furth, Esq.
- Jeffrey L. Glassman
- Ambassador Stuart Holliday
- Representative Steny HoyerSteny HoyerSteny Hamilton Hoyer is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1981. The district includes a large swath of rural and suburban territory southeast of Washington, D.C.. He is a member of the Democratic Party....
- The Honorable Barbara B. KennellyBarbara B. KennellyBarbara Bailey Kennelly was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Connecticut.-Family and Education:...
- Maureen A. Kindel
- Kathleen M. Linehan, Esq.
- The Honorable Robert L. Livingston
- Senator Richard Lugar
- Sheila Avrin McLean
- Denise Nappier
- His Excellency Andrés Pastrana
- R. Scott Pastrick
- Michael Pinto-Duschinsky Ph. D
- Richard C. PowellRichard C. Powell-External links:* Journal of the Optical Society of America-See also:*Optical Society of America#Past Presidents of the OSA...
, Jr. - Ambassador Gerard Stoudmann
External links
- ElectionGuide.org - Online guide to elections around the world
- IFES' Democracy at Large Magazine - IFES' quarterly print publication
- IFES Buyer's Guide to Election Suppliers
- www.moneyandpolitics.net - Website for IFES’ Center for Transitional and Post Conflict Governance