Overview

IFES is an independent, non-governmental organization providing professional support to electoral democracy. Through field work, applied research and advocacy, we strive to promote citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in political and civil society.

Our Approach

IFES understands that genuine and lasting democratic change begins in country. Our founder, F. Clifton White, believed that there was no "blueprint for democracy." Two decades later, White’s philosophy drives our work as we partner with local organizations, tailor assistance to a country’s situation, history and culture and offer comprehensive, objective expertise designed to create sustainable change. IFES brings 20 years of experience gained in more than 100 countries to this important work. The end goal is to create systems and procedures that increase accountability, transparency and serve the interests of ordinary citizens.

Our Work

Elections & Political Processes

Strengthen government institutions

These projects help establish institutions and procedures that enable election officials to conduct free and fair elections. We offer a full range of services in support of the electoral process cycle including: advising election commissions, assisting with the development or reform of election laws, training election workers and developing effective voter education programs.

Civil Society

Help citizens participate in their democracies

Our projects promote the rights of disadvantaged groups, develop the independence and skills of media, build coalitions of civil society organizations, develop and distribute civic education materials and introduce government monitoring tools and techniques.

Good Governance

Increase politicians’ accountability to the electorate

Our projects promote government accountability and dialogue among agencies, political parties and citizens’ groups. We encourage good governance by increasing knowledge of government actions through public information, empowering citizens and journalists to identify and expose corruption and help government officials develop needed skills to serve constituents and implement decentralized governance.

Our Staff

The makeup of IFES’ staff reflects our international outlook. Every project office is staffed by local personnel and every project partners with local experts. Among IFES’ nearly 400 employees include specialists in election administration, rule of law, civil society development, good governance, applied research, human rights, gender issues and information technology solutions. IFES employees also represent 60 countries across the world.