Miscellaneous Resource Materials

ACE Presentations

 

How Democracies Emerge, by Thomas Carothers, Journal of Democracy (2007)

A paper by Thomas Carothers and Sheri Berman that tackles the debate about necessary conditions for democracy promotion, including the holding of elections. The paper was published in the Journal of Democracy, Volume 18, Number 1, January 2007.

voting in africa

 

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Global Electoral Organization (GEO) Conference Presentations [2007]

 

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EC-UNDP Partnership on Electoral Assistance

The EC and UNDP have been collaborating in the field of electoral assistance since 1997 but it is since 2004, with the implementation of the project in support of the electoral processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo that the collaboration was strongly intensified, leading to the signature, in 2006, of the "Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of Electoral Assistance Programmes and Projects". This website contains links and references to the formulation and implementation of Electoral Assistance projects of the EC and the UNDP.

SADC Parliamentary Forum:Norms and Standards for Elections in SADC Region (2001)

Norms and Standard for Elections in the SADC Region which were adopted by the SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly on the 25th March 2001.

SADC:Draft Protocol on Gender and Development (2007)

An agreement of SADC members on the Draft Protocal on Gender and Development within the region.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Parliamentary Strengthening and Electoral Support Programmes

This report was put together by the Governance and Social Development Research Centre (GSDRC) by the request of AusAID. It contains an overview of the literature on measuring, monitoring and evaluating programmes for parliamentary strengthening, electoral support and political party support.

Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

The NIMD is an institute of political parties for political parties. In line with the development cooperation policy of the Dutch Government and as a response to international requests for support by political parties and groups abroad, the Dutch political parties PvdA, VVD, CDA, D66, the Green-Left party, the Christian Union and SGP decided to set up a new foundation: the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). This foundation was established on 18 April 2000.

Ballot papers of the world

This website contains samples of ballots from various countries of the world. Click on each flag to access the ballot samples.

Engineering Electoral Systems: Possibilities and Pitfalls Handbook, The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (2007)

This publication provides an introduction to the different electoral systems which exist around the world, some brief case studies of recent electoral systems reforms, and some practical tips to those political parties involved in development or reform of electoral systems.

A Framework for Democratic Party-Building Handbook, Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (2004)

This "Handbook" seeks to contribute to the strengthening and development of all political parties in nations that want to improve the quality of their democracy.

Handbook for European Union Election Observation (2008)

The second edition of the EU Election Observation Handbook. The book is divided into eight sections and touches upon various issues related to election observation, such as international standards for elections, observation methodology and reporting.

Association of African Election Authorities - AAEA

The AAEA is an professional Organization of African Electoral Management Bodies. The organization is dedicated to the professionalisation of election administration. A large focus of the Association is information exchange, technical assistance and participation in various activities including pre-election assessment and election observation.

Electoral Management Bodies(EMB's) Capacity Assessment Report (2008)

This report undertakes a determination of the needs and requirements of Electoral Management Bodies(EMB's) in Southern Africa. The objective is to determine the constraints and challenges that EMB's face in delivering their mandate and provides guidance through a series of recommendations, on capacity development tools and educational programmes for EMBs. The assessment is a component of the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network(EKN).

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ballot paper

 

Democracy in Development: Global consultations on the EU's role in democracy building (2009)

This report presents the first ever peer review of the European Union’s external policies and practices on support for democracy and democracy building around the world. With the support of Sweden holding the incoming EU presidency, International IDEA has engaged counterparts and partners of the EU in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab world, South Asia and Southeast Asia in a series of multi-regional consultations to get their feedback on the impact of these policies on democracy and democracy building in their respective regions.

Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters - Guidelines and Explanatory Report, Venice Commission (2002)

The following guidelines are a concrete response to the three aspects of the resolution taken by the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly, acting on behalf of the Assembly on 8 November 2001 in adopting Resolution 1264 (2001) . They were adopted by the Council for Democratic Elections. The explanatory report explains the principles set forth in the guidelines, defining and clarifying them and, where necessary, including recommendations on points of detail. This document is based on the guidelines appended to the explanatory memorandum to the report on which the Assembly resolution was based (Doc. 9267). It is also based on the work of the Venice Commission in the electoral field, as summarised in Document CDL (2002) 7.

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OSCE/ODIHR Discussion paper in preparation of guidelines for the observation of electronic voting

These guidelines were put to enhance the OSCE/ODIHR observation methodology where electronic voting is an element of a participating State’s election system.

Monitoring Electronic Technologies in Electoral Processes, NDI (2007)

This guide aims to increase the understanding of civic and political activists regarding what transparency measures to demand in establishing safeguards concerning electronic electoral technologies; and what skills their organizations will need to develop to verify the integrity of electronic electoral technologies. Specifically, it covers the types of technologies employed, the potential challenges for electoral integrity brought by such technologies, issues to consider in deciding whether to introduce electronic technologies and transparency that should be employed when electronic technologies are utilized.

Legal, Operational and Technical Standards for E-Voting, Council of Europe Publishing (2004)

This memorandum gives a legal, Operational and Technical Standards for E-Voting.

Poster: Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections, BRIDGE (2010)

A poster published by BRIDGE on the (Course in Electoral Processes) which included Two modules:Introduction to Electoral Administration and Strategic & Financial Planning. The three axises of the course were: Electoral Architecture, Working with Electoral Stakeholders and Electoral Operations.

Democratic Dialogue - A Handbook for Practitioners

Democratic Dialogue: A Handbook for Practitioners aims to provide decision-makers, dialogue promoters and practitioners with a practical guide on how to organize, facilitate and assess dialogue processes. It combines conceptual and practical knowledge, while providing practitioners with an extensive repertoire of relevant tools, experiences and approaches adapted to the issue at stake, the local context and the stakeholders involved. More than a compilation of techniques, the Handbook provides the reader with a ‘how to’ guide to organize a tailor-made dialogue from assessment to evaluation.

Assessing the Quality of Democracy: A Practical Guide (2008)

This Practical Guide presents International IDEA’s State of Democracy (SoD) assessment Framework. Developed for public use around the world, the SoD Framework has been applied in some 20 countries worldwide since its first launch in 2000. The Framework is different from other methodologies because its comprehensive assessments are led and owned by local actors, and move away from the practice of ranking democratic performance and making external judgements. It combines a commitment to the principles of democracy with dialogue, and looks beyond the formal existence of democratic institutions and focuses, more importantly, on their performance. The Practical Guide also links assessment to reform and in doing so, highlights achievements and challenges as well as lessons learnt from previous assessment teams’ experiences. Others seeking to apply the Framework in their countries stand to benefit greatly from the experiences, lessons and insights shared from the State of Democracy Network--a community of practice that has applied the SoD assessment Framework in their countries and regions. The Practical Guide also offers guidance on sources and standards of good practice.

Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook (2007)

The constitutions of many countries guarantee the right to vote for all citizens. However, in reality, voters who are outside their home country when elections take place are often disenfranchised because of a lack of procedures enabling them to exercise that right. Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook examines the theoretical and practical issues surrounding external voting. It provides an overview of external voting provisions in 115 countries and territories around the world, including a map illustrating the regional spread.

Democracy, Conflict and Human Security: Further Reading (Volume 2) (2006)

For many across the world, democracy is in a crisis of legitimacy and credibility. The idea that people have the right to control their government and that a government is legitimate only if and when it is controlled by the people has won almost global recognition, hardly matched by any other world view in modern history. It transcends cultures, religions and languages; it takes multiple forms and survives in the most inhospitable environments. However, the way in which the idea of democracy is translated into practice can leave much to be desired. In a world characterized by rising inequality, democratic systems will be judged on how they include and deliver to constituent populations. This book, a companion volume to Democracy, Conflict and Human Security: Pursuing Peace in the 21st Century, addresses the nexus between democracy, conflict and human security in a way which recognizes that this is highly political, not technical, terrain. It places at centre stage the fundamental need for democratic practice, and reminds us that in every society, North and South, the democratic project is a long-term, ongoing one. This book is part of IDEA’s efforts to contribute to a major ongoing debate and, hopefully, to the strengthening of a democratic practice that responds to the quests for human dignity and development. This publication contains specific studies which were contributed to the debate, from diverse experiences and contexts. This volume complements and enriches the first volume in two ways: by providing perspectives by leading scholars, analysts and policy makers, and by offering a more in-depth look at critical themes and case studies.

Democracy, Conflict and Human Security: Pursuing Peace in the 21st Century (Volume 1) (2006)

Democracy, Conflict and Human Security: Pursuing Peace in the 21st Century tackles questions on how democracies can deliver social and economic rights, include all citizens in decision making and reduce poverty. This new publication is a two-volume set that explores ways in which democratic practice can contribute to the management of contemporary conflicts and promote the realization of security and development objectives. Volume I contains analysis and recommendations based on wide-ranging research and evaluation of lessons learned from democratization processes, past and ongoing. Volume II presents essays and case studies by leading specialists from around the world that further develop the themes and findings presented in Volume I. Democracy, Conflict and Human Security argues that effective democracy building moves beyond the process of elections and technical assistance and examines how democratic practice relates to human security. Governments may hold free elections but fall short in other democratic measures such as the separation of powers, the freedom of the press, and guarantees of human rights. These two volumes are aimed at practitioners, parliamentarians, politicians, government officials and policy makers concerned with problems such as social exclusion, the quality of democracy and new forms of authoritarian regimes. They are intended to be a basis for continued debate, dialogue and options for change.

Electoral System Design: the New International IDEA Handbook

The choice of electoral system can have a significant impact on the wider political and institutional framework: it is important not to see electoral systems in isolation. Their design and effects are heavily contingent upon other structures within and outside the constitution. Successful electoral system design comes from looking at the framework of political institutions as a whole: changing one part of this framework is likely to cause adjustments in the way other institutions within it work.

Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers. A Revised Edition.

This updated edition of Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers Handbook covers the ground of women’s access to the legislature in three steps: It looks into the obstacles women confront when entering Parliament – be they political, socio-economic or ideological and psychological. It presents solutions to overcome these obstacles, such as changing electoral systems and introducing quotas, and it details strategies for women to influence politics once they are elected to parliament, an institution which is traditionally male dominated.

Reconciliation after Violent Conflict

Reconciliation after Violent Conflict presents a range of tools that can be, and have been, employed in the design and implementation of reconciliation processes. Most of them draw on the experience of people grappling with the problems of past violence and injustice. There is no ‘right answer’ to the challenge of reconciliation, and so the Handbook prescribes no single approach. Instead, it presents the options and methods, with their strengths and weaknesses evaluated, so that practitioners and policy-makers can adopt or adapt them, as best suits each specific context.

The Communication Initiative Network:Elections

The Communication Initiative Network is an online forum for people and organizations involved in supporting communication as a strategy for economic and social development. This page includes links to resources related to the role of journalists and media more generally, in elections. The resources refer to a number of regions and countries and concern issues including the representation of women and conflict and election reporting.

Insights 74: Elections and the democracy challenge, Institute of Development Studies (2008)

Insights 74: Elections and the democracy challenge, August 2008. Insights is a publication that offers an overview of policy-relevant research on international development. Eldis is a knowledge service from the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex. This issue from 2008 contains articles on a number of election related issues including elections and conflict and internet voting.

MobileActive Strategy Guide #1: Using Mobile Phones in Elections and Voter Registration Campaigns (2007)

The first in a series of guides designed to assist organizations in deploying effective mobile campaigns. In many countries mobile phones are a highly accessible and effective way to communicate, even more so than the internet. Mobile phones have been used for systematic election monitoring in a number of countries including Kenya and Macedonia. The guide functions as a how-to guide and a case study resource for mobile campaigns.

A Touchpad to our Future: An Election Resource for Journalists (2009)

An information guide for journalists from the print, broadcast or online media published by the Open Society Foundation for South Africa. It was produced with aim of building journalists' capacity to prepare for and report on the 2009 elections in South Africa.

A Campaign Manual for Women Candidates in the Sierra Leone Local Government Elections (2008)

A training manual from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), designed specifically to assist women in the unique challenges they face when running in local elections. The manual discusses local government, public speaking, campaign planning and fundraising. It includes worksheets for planning and organizing election campaigns.

Election Campaigns, Balance, and the Mass Media (2008)

A paper published for a conference on “The Role of the News Media in the Governance Reform Agenda", it discusses the role of media in four democracies in transition:Mexico, Turkey, Russia, and Kenya. It discusses the role of media in creating political bias or affecting voter turnout. It confronts the problem of balance in reporting, especially in transitional situations.

Election thieves face jail in The Hague - Ocampo, Daily Monitor (2010)

Mr Louis Moreno Ocampo, a prosecutor The International Criminal Court in The Hague has warned that those who interfere with elections with violence will be prosecuted in The Hague.

Election Monitors Necessary for Free and Fair Elections, VOA (2010)

This article discusses the role of election observers, both their importance and limitations.

Democracy at the Local Level (2001)

In today’s globalizing world, there is growing emphasis on local democracy. More than ever, cities need new ideas for ways of managing the political challenges and opportunities that arise from increased urbanization and globalization. Governing effectively at the local level is all the more urgent as vigorous local civic engagement builds the foundation for a strong and more enduring national-level democracy. Organized in six chapters and written by experts from around the world, this International IDEA Handbook offers: Practical suggestions for designing systems of local governance Principles and policies for managing culturally diverse cities Choices for enhancing local elections and representative democracy Options for expanding citizen participation Recommendations for the international community for enhancing local democracy.

Democracy and Deep-Rooted Conflict: Options for Negotiators (1998)

The handbook provides practical advice on how to broker peace in countries emerging from deep-rooted conflict and outlines options negotiators can draw upon when trying to build or rebuild democracy. The handbook provides a thorough overview of democratic levers - such as power-sharing formulas, questions of federalism and autonomy, options for minority rights, constitutional safeguards and many others. It analyses actual negotiated settlements from places like Bosnia, Fiji, Northern Ireland, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and South Africa. Written by international experts and experienced negotiators, the handbook is designed as a quick reference tool containing numerous case studies, fact sheets and practical examples.

Reports of Findings: Use of language in ballot instructions, National Institute of Standards and Technology (2009)

This Report of Findings summarizes the results of a study on the language used in the ballots. The study analyzes the effects of the language used for the instructions in the ballot: how does the language influences the results of the vote? How does this influence e-voting? Finally, the report makes a few recommendations on voter education.

Plain Language Makes a Difference When People Vote, Journal of Usability Studies (2010)

This article from the May 2010 issue of the Journal of Usability Studies reports the findings from a study of the effect of the language used on ballots in the United States. It defines "plain language" and describes the methodology of the study and also includes key points to take a way for practitioners.

Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct, United Nations (2005)

The Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers were signed on October 27, 2005, at the United Nations in New York. These documents are the result of many years of talks and negotiations. International election observation plays a fundamental role in providing accurate and impartial assessments about the nature of electoral processes. The aim of this declaration is to give comprehensive and well-established standards to election observation missions all around the world. 23 international organizations and bodies signed the Declaration and the Code of Conduct. Since 2005, twelve organizations recognized and endorsed these documents worldwide.

Women and Elections: Guide to Promoting the Participation of Women in Elections, The United Nations (2005)

A guide designed to assist organizations in encouraging women to participate in electoral processes. The handbook addresses each stage of the electoral process individually an how to increase the involvement of women in every part of the cycle.

An Election Handbook for Caribbean Journalists (2009)

A handbook designed by journalists to improve and enhance media coverage of elections in the English-speaking Caribbean. It is intended as a supplement to other information available on the topic

Election Resources, The Communication Initiative Network

Links to resources available through the Communication Initiative Network. Menus allow you to filter publications by topic area.

Elections and Conflict Prevention: A Guide to Analysis, Planning and Programming. UNDP (2009)

This is a Guide published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2009. The aim of this publication is to present electoral assistance strategies that can prevent election-related violence. The practical options and tools presented in this Guide were designed by UNDP and its partners in many years of experience in the field. The Guide first analyzes the causes, patterns and monitoring of election-related violence, and then presents the strategies and principles for its prevention, providing examples and lessons learned in case studies.

Politicians 'fare better after favourable sports results', The Telegaraph (2010)

A study conducted by researchers at Standford University found that incumbent politicians perform better when a sporting teams are doing well. The study was conducted using the results of American football teams.

Policy and Practice Brief: Strategies to Prevent and Manage Electoral Violence, ACCORD (2010)

The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) is a civil society organization based in South Africa. This organization works to find creative solutions to the various conflict-related challenges in the African continent. In 2010, ACCORD launched a new series of resource material, the 'Policy and Practice Brief'. This document is the first publication of the series and focuses on “Strategies to prevent and manage electoral violence.” ACCORD acknowledges the importance of preventing election-related violence to strengthen the democratic processes in the continent, and studies new strategies in a long-term perspective. Finally, this brief provides recommendations to governments and the civil society, as well as security personnel.

African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance

 

Belgium: Final Report, Federal Elections, OSCE (2007)

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) published this report after an Election Assessment Mission in Belgium. OSCE officials observed the 2007 federal elections in the country. The report presents the legal framework of the Belgian elections, the preparations for the elections, focusing on the campaign (important in a linguistically-divided country). Special attention was given to the electronic voting system that was covering 44% of the electorate.

Africa's year of elections: The democracy bug is fitfully catching on, The Economists (2010)

This article discusses the role of elections in the democratic processes in Africa. In the continent elections have become a normal occurrence, and this year in particular has witnessed remarkable developments. This article analyzes the factors that made it possible with a worried eye towards the future.

ECOWAS International ConferenceTWO DECADES OF PEACE PROCESSES IN WEST AFRICA:ACHIEVEMENTS – FAILURES - LESSONS

Ecowas international conference in Monrovia report

Election-Related Disputes and Political Violence: Strengthening the Role of the African Union in Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict, International Peace Institute (2010)

This report was released by the International Peace Institute (IPI) in partnership with the African Union. This is the the first publication of the African Union Series. The AU decided to focus on election-related violence: the Panel of the Wise has chosen to dedicate its first thematic reflections to developing strategies for the prevention of election-related violence. In doing so, the Panel acknowledged the growing importance of electoral processes in the continent, and of their role in the consolidation of democracy. This report identifies the weaknesses in the governance of elections and recommends mechanisms to prevent election-related disputes and conflicts in a long-term approach.

Procurement Aspects of Introducing ICTs solutions in Electoral Processes, The European Union, United Nations Development Programme and International IDEA (2010)

This is the first publication in the Operational Paper Series by the Joint EC-UNDP Task Force on Electoral Assistance. The paper analyzes electoral assistance projects that included the introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for voter registration processes. This paper also provides an overview of the procurement aspects of introducing ICTs, the processes and procedures as well as the main challenges. The European Union and UNDP collaborated closely with International IDEA and the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network in drafting this paper, and it will be therefore published as ACE Focus On.

The EU Electoral Observation Missions

This is the new website of the European Union Electoral Observation Missions.

Towards a Global Framework for Managing and Mitigating Election-related Conflict and Violence, International IDEA (2010)

This is a report on the 'International IDEA Workshop on Election-related Conflict and Violence'. This workshop brought together some of the key organizations and practitioners working in this field with the aim of providing an opportunity for peer review of existing methodologies and materials. The report highlights the need of further and deeper cooperation in this field, and to approach election-related violence in a more holistic and comprehensive way, involving multiple actors and organizations.

iKnowPolitics - Gender Quotas, Women In Politics, Parity

Gender Quotas, Women In Politics, Parity The International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics) is an online workspace designed to serve the needs of elected officials, candidates, political party leaders and members, researchers, students and other practitioners interested in advancing women in politics. It is a joint project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

Women in Politics: Quotas, Voter Attitudes and Female Leadership, Dubai School of Government (2009)

This policy brief is about gender quotas which are increasingly being used throughout the world as a policy tool to improve women’s participation in politics. While in many cases these policies have succeeded in increasing the number of women politicians, there is a lack of evidence on how exposure to women leaders impacts the beliefs of the average voter. In order to determine the causal effect of affirmative action policies on voter attitudes and electoral outcomes, a study in West Bengal uses a novel approach to look at the effect of mandated reservation in Indian village councils. The study takes advantage of the fact that villages were randomly assigned the reservation policy, and uses speeches and vignettes experiments as well as Implicit Association Tests (IATs) to analyze this issue. The results suggest that repeated exposure to women leaders reduces voter bias against them, and that repeated reservation significantly improves electoral outcomes in the medium term.

How a Frog could end the Security Wars and revive the eVote Industry

After years of bitter conflict between computer scientists and vendors over security of electronic voting machines, could a FROG bring peace to the realm of eVoting? Ingo Boltz proposes the revival of an "old plan" for simple and secure electronic voting.

Electoral Justice: The International IDEA Handbook (2010)

An effective electoral justice system is a key element in the unfolding of a free, fair and genuine democratic process. Without a system to mitigate and manage inequality or perceptions of inequality, even the best management of an electoral process may lead to mistrust in the legitimacy of the elected government. This Handbook examines the concept of electoral justice and how to prevent electoral disputes. Using examples from countries such as Afghanistan, Argentina, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, France, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States, it will assist any country with the design and implementation of an electoral justice system that best suits their situation.

AFRICAN CHARTER ON DEMOCRACY, ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE

The charter on democracy, elections and governance in Africa.

Electoral Justice: The International IDEA Handbook (2010) Logo

 

E-voting handbook - Key steps in the implementation of e-enabled elections, The Council of Europe (2010)

"This document reflects the findings from several meetings at which the development of e-voting has been examined. These include the second review meeting on Recommendation Rec (2004)11 which took place in Madrid in 2008, and the sessions of the Forum for the Future of Democracy in 2008 and 2009. This paper does not set out to argue either for or against the introduction of e-voting; it is designed to provide assistance and guidance to those who are considering introducing it."

Observing Delimitation (2011)

This document focuses on the importance of observing delimitation during an election observation mission. The delimitation of constituencies, as a matter of fact, provides the single most important opportunity to manipulate the result of an election, short of straightforward cheating.

EU: Go-ahead given to the European citizens' initiative, Council of the European Union (2011)

The Council of the European Union adopted yesterday a regulation that will make it possible for EU citizens to call for legislative proposals on a specific issue. The European Citizens' Initiative requires support from one quarter of EU member states. The number of required signatures from each of these countries is the number of Members of the European Parliament elected in each member state multiplied by 750. The proposed initiative must fall under EU competence and the organisers have 12 months to collect the signatures (in paper form or electronically). The regulation on Citizens' Initiative will be applicable in February 2012 giving member states and the Commission time to take the necessary measures. implement it

UNDP: Promoting Local Election Management as Part of an Electoral Cycle Approach (2013)

This is the first ever report to examine the different modalities used by various countries in Asia to administer local elections. It demonstrates the impact of local electoral management practices on the delivery of elections, the provision of electoral assistance and the relationship with an electoral cycle approached. It makes four main contribution the an understanding of local election management: - It identifies and analyzes the different ways that local elections are managed and implemented in Asia. - It identify the factors that contribute to effective electoral local management, including coordination between the different levels of electoral management; - The paper also provides options for providers may choose to target programs and where election management bodies may decide to focus local level capacity strengthening initiatives - It provide lessons learned from electoral management bodies with the responsibility for managing local elections in addressing electoral violence, conducting electoral dispute resolution and engaging and promoting gender sensitive policies The report is targeted to countries in Asia that are planning for local elections, or any country that has undergone decentralization and has some form government elected at the sub-national level. It has relevance for a number of stakeholders including electoral management bodies, political parties, parliament, government ministries, civil society and international organizations.

ACE Focus On - Effective Electoral Assistance

This ACE “Focus On …” addresses the issue of effective electoral assistance. It builds upon International IDEA’s publication of the conclusions of the "Effective Electoral Assistance Conference" held in Ottawa, Canada, in May 2006, under the auspices of International IDEA and the Canadian International Development Agency. This event coincided with the global launch of the new version of the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, which unveiled new potential applications of ACE in electoral assistance programmes to the community of electoral practitioners, assistance providers and development agencies.

Electoral Administration Fellowship Program

The International Electoral Education Council conducts Electoral Fellowships at national EMB offices to provide students with first-hand learning experiences.

Executive Master of Arts in International Electoral Policy and Practice - Pre-enrolment Announcement

The Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and Creative Associates International are pleased to announce the intention to launch the Master of Arts in International Electoral Policy and Practice. Based upon the Expressions of Interest received from this announcement, the one-year, post-graduate Programme will be officially open for registration on the 1st of July 2011 and will begin in January 2012.

Hope for Change in the Middle East, Carnegie Endowment (2011)

In this Q&A video , Marina Ottaway explains that the changes will be different in every Arab country. We should anticipate the biggest transformation in Libya, with fewer breaks from the past in Egypt and Tunisia. Unlike the experiences in Eastern and Central Europe—where communism and backing from the Soviet Union were the common elements propping up the regimes—each country in the Arab world faces a unique situation.

Strengthening Parliamentary accountability, citizen engagement and access to information: A Global survey of Parliamentary monitoring organizations, NDI (2011)

This report was issued by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) is about Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations (PMOs). Given the given the lack of research on , NDI and World Bank Institute (WBI) undertook a joint project to: 1) identify PMOs worldwide and collect basic information regarding their activities; 2) document good practices in parliamentary monitoring, and; 3) suggest recommendations for the international donor community regarding PMOs. To meet these objectives, the project conducted a survey of PMOs, analyzed their websites and other outputs, and interviewed a range of individuals at organizations involved in conducting or supporting parliamentary monitoring activities.

Election Management Bodies inWest Africa Afrimap and OSIWA (2010)

A comparative study which was conducted on different electoral management bodies in West Africa. For this study six countries were targeted, such as Benin, Cape Verde, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Blueprint for ASEAN Democracy, ANFREL (2009)

This paper was submitted by the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) to the Governments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after a Summit meeting in Cha-am, Hua Hin, Thailand. The text gives an overview of the challenges and necessities regarding democracy building in the Southeast Asia region.

Guide, Voting Rights for Internally Displaced Persons, ANFREL (2011)

This guide, written by the Asian Network for Free Elections, provides information on means by which internally displaced persons (IDPs) can assert their voting rights.

Caribbean: From Grassroots to the Airwaves Paying for Political Parties and Campaigns in the Caribbean, International IDEA, OAS (2005)

This paper was produced by International IDEA and the OAS. The document gives a close look at issues related to political parties and the financing of electoral campaigns. The cases analyzed include: Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Do Arab women need electoral quotas? , Foreign Policy (2012)

 

International IDEA's Political Finance Database

 

Promoting Electoral Integrity in Southeast Asia, IDEA (2012)

This paper analyses the experience of the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) in elections observation, in particular looking at the strengths and weaknesses of this regional civil-society led initiative in contributing towards the development of democracy in Asia. Meanwhile, the association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considering carrying out elections observation missions in the future. This paper looks at the progress of democratization in Southeast Asia; what ASEAN might learn from ANFREL’s observation experience; and how official initiatives might complement civil society ones.

ERIS Annual Report (UK 2010)

 

The role of electoral stakeholders in Eastern African communities: a comparative analysis of selected states, by Rev John Maphephe (2012)

 

Electoral Commissions in West Africa: a comparative study (2010)

 

Elections in Latin America 2009-2011: a comparative analysis (Kellogg Institute)

 

ACE User Guide Arabic

 

Draft Media and Elections Law

A draft media law on party political broadcasting and media coverage of elections, designed for post-conflict countries, with an aim of encouraging peaceful, informative political speech leading up to elections, drafted by Matthew Weldon, Esq.

Municipal Code (Código Municipal Ley No. 7794)

 

Law No. (3) on the High National Election Commission (Arabic)

Law No. (3) on the High National Election Commission (Arabic) Source: The Carter Center.

Party Systems and the Choice Sets Voters Confront in Transitions to Democracy, by John M. Carey (2014)

 

UNDP: A Handbook on Working with Political Parties (2006)

 

UNDP’s engagement with Political Parties (2005)

This report analyses and summarizes a mapping of UNDP’s engagement with political parties that was conducted in October 2003 and update in May 2005. the information contained in the mapping is indicative rather than exhaustive and reflects the various ways UNDP Country Offices are currently working and engaging with political parties. The mapping will serve as a key reference for informing the development of UNDP’s corporate policies and practices concerning political parties.

UNDP/NDI: Empowering Women for Stronger Political Parties: A Guidebook to Promote Women´s Political Participation (2012)

 

UNDP/NDI: Empowering Women for Stronger Political Parties: A Good Practices Guide to Promote Women's Participation (2011)

 

UNDP: Electoral Financing to Advance Women’s Political Participation (2007)

 

UNDP: Enhancing Youth Political Participation throughout the Electoral Cycle (2013)

 

UNDP: Comparative Experience in Electoral Administration and the Arab World (2011)

This paper comprises four sections. First, a summary of findings and lessons learned is provided on the different institutional models and experiences in the structuring and functioning of electoral management bodies (EMBs). Second, findings and conclusions on the cost of elections are also summarised. Third, the current state of EMBs in the Arab World and possible alternative developments in view of preparation of future elections are discussed. Finally, a closing section follows with concluding remarks based on comparative experience of EMBs during transitions.

UNDP/IFES: Getting to the CORE, A Global Survey on the Cost of Registration and Elections (2005)

Produced by the UNDP and IFES, this step-by-step guide to election processes around the world explains what measures need to be in place, from voter registration to ballot-box security, and at what price, before the first ballot is cast.

UNDP: Evaluation of UNDP Contribution to Strengthening Electoral Systems and Processes (2012)

 

UNDP: Understanding Electoral Violence in Asia (2011)

 

UNDP: The Role of UNDP in Supporting Democratic Elections in Africa (2013)

 

UNDP: The Longer Term Impact of UNDP Electoral Assistance: Lessons Learned (2014)

The present study on “The Longer Term Impact of UNDP Electoral Assistance: Lessons Learned” consolidates in a systematic manner the lessons learned and the good practices on UNDP’s electoral projects where the organization has been active in this area for over a decade. The study identifies best practices that can be shared to inform future programming and policy formation and focuses on the principles of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, national ownership and human rights. The scope of the study is global, but it also focuses on eight country case studies: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Georgia, Indonesia, Liberia, Mexico, Mozambique and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The study aims to assist electoral practitioners in planning and implementing long-term electoral support projects more effectively and sustainably while achieving development objectives.

UNDP: Media and Elections - A Guide for Electoral Practitioners (2014)

This Guide is designed to be a key reference tool for electoral practitioners including electoral management bodies, independent broadcasting authorities and international assistance providers. It aims at improving an understanding of some of the key issues related to media and elections. The Guide is comprised of ten chapters that deal with the issues of media and communications during the electoral process. Each chapter can be read independently so that electoral practitioners only concerned with one facet of media and elections can turn directly to that section as a resource.

UNDP/European Commission: Summary Report of the Thematic Workshop on Sustainability in Electoral Administration (2013)

This report aims to summarise the presentations delivered and the discussions held among the approximately 200 participants from 45 countries who attended the workshop. It also includes an academic overview as background information necessary to set the discussions into a larger framework. Both the discussions and the related recommendations made by the participants may be of use for other EMBs as well as for electoral assistance practitioners.

UNDP/European Commission: Information Technology and Elections Management: Informed Decisions for Sustainable Outcomes (2012)

This Summary Report of the EC-UNDP Thematic Workshop on ICT and Elections Management deals in-depth with the issues and challenges of introducing technology into various elements of electoral administration. These elements range from the registration of voters to the management of results of the elections. The publication also looks at the role - and challenges - of working with biometric technologies. This includes a discussion on some of the advantages and disadvantages of eVoting systems. The report also addresses issues related to pros and cons of linking voter and civil registries, and introduces the topic of digital identity and its interface with voter registration.

IDEA: ‘International Obligations for Elections: Guidelines for Legal Frameworks’ (2014)

This publication provides an inventory of United Nations jurisprudence relevant to electoral processes. It organizes and cross-references international law applicable to elections in order to make it accessible to national and international stakeholders. The Guidelines aspire to near-global applicability and focuses explicitly on national accountability and ownership, an essential tool for EMBs and national stakeholders engaged in electoral reforms. The focus on UN treaty obligations is meant to promote consistency, objectivity, impartiality, accuracy and professionalism in drafting and reviewing legal frameworks for elections. The Guidelines include tables of jurisprudence and checklists which facilitate review of how far national legal frameworks comply with UN treaty provisions and jurisprudence on elections.

Turkey: Preliminary Statement, Presidential Election of 10 August 2014, OSCE/ODIHR (2014)

 

The Carter Center: Handbook on Observing Electronic Voting (2012)

This handbook is designed to supplement other tools and resources available to Carter Center election observation missions (EOMs). It therefore does not cover every aspect of an election observation mission. Instead, it provides additional detail regarding those issues related to the use of e-voting technologies.

Overview of State Obligations Relevant to Democratic Governance and Democratic Elections, The Carter Center / Democracy Reporting International (2012)

This brief paper gives an overview of the extent to which states are obliged to organize themselves as a democracy and to hold genuine elections, and describes related gaps in international law. A comprehensive table summarizes the obligations and their content and meaning.

Tunisia: Lessons Learned from the 2011 Elections: The relation between civil society and the ISIE, The Carter Center (2014)

In late 2013 and early 2014, 268 stakeholders in Tunisia's democratic transition came together for a series of workshops examining lessons learned during the October 2011 elections. Participants articulated recommendations in support of the anticipated national elections in 2014 for consideration by various Tunisian stakeholders, including the Instance Supérieure Indépendante pour les Elections, or the ISIE. This report summarizes the process and outcomes of the workshop series, and offers recommendations for consideration by Tunisia's electoral authorities in advance of anticipated presidential and parliamentary elections.

IFES: Gender Equality & Election Management Bodies: A Best Practices Guide (2014)

This booklet – first piloted in Nepal and undergoing translation into several other languages – aims to provide EMBs with a resource to develop an integrated approach to gender in electoral administration. By adopting such an approach, EMBs will play a pivotal role in maximizing the participation of women in elections. In turn, this will result in more representative and democratic societies. Using the electoral cycle as a framework and drawing on global best practices, this booklet identifies key actions that can be taken by EMBs at each stage of the cycle to ensure that women's needs are taken into account and policies and programs are designed and implemented accordingly.

IFES/NDI: Implementing and Overseeing Electronic Voting and Counting Technologies (2013)

This manual provides insight on key issues related to electronic voting and counting; it will be particularly useful to specialists in democracy and governance, election management bodies (EMBs), civil society organizations, political parties and other stakeholders engaged in electoral processes around the world.

UNDP: Global Programme for Electoral Cycle Support (GPECS) Achievements 2009 - 2013

The report “Global Programme for Electoral Cycle Support (GPECS): Summary of Achievements 2009-2013” highlights how GPECS has become UNDP’s flagship project in the electoral assistance field, contributing both to the formulation and implementation of UN electoral assistance policy, identifying lessons learned and best practices, and producing and disseminating electoral knowledge. In addition to the work undertaken at the global level, the report highlights the activities that GPECS has undertaken at both the regional and country levels, with its additional emphasis on integrating women´s electoral and political participation.

Romania: Case Study on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Public Administration, UNDP (2014)

 

UNDP: Gender Equality in Elected Office in Asia Pacific: Six Actions to Expand Women’s Empowerment (2012)

This publication provides an overview of women’s political representation in Asia-Pacific member states, and reviews the impact of series of six fast-track institutional reforms which can contribute towards the attainment of gender equality in elected office. These six “windows or opportunity” include an examination of legally binding quotas, constitutional rights, political party recruitment, capacity building initiatives, parliamentary reform and political party recruitment.

UNDP: Electoral Systems and Processes Practice Note (2004)

Establishing a framework for UNDP activities in the field of electoral assistance, the Electoral Systems and Processes Practice Note focuses on the various components of electoral assistance, the primary areas in which UNDP and others have worked, recent trends in the field, and lessons learned.

UNDP and Electoral Assistance: 10 Years of Experience (2002)

 

UNDP: Electoral Management Bodies as Institutions of Governance (2000)

This paper focuses on the institutional dimensions of strengthening electoral systems and grapples with issues related to electoral management bodies as institutions of governance.

UNDP: Handbook on Journalistic Ethics in Media Coverage of Electoral Processes - Analysis of 4 African Portuguese Speaking Countries (PALOP) Case Studies (2011)

The handbook consolidates knowledge based on the analysis of four case studies – Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Cape Verde and Mozambique – the Media outlook, legal framework, mechanisms of self -regulation and existing good practice in terms of ethics and deontology, voluntary use and application of codes of conduct set for elections are some of the themes approached.

UNDP: Handbook on Technology and Electoral Registration - Experiences in Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe and East Timor (2012)

The present publication is a consolidation of the technical work performed by the Project to Support the Electoral Cycle in Portuguese Speaking African Countries and East Timor (ProPALOP-TL), a project fully funded by the EU and managed by UNDP. The countries visited for this handbook were Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tomé and Principe and Timor-Leste.

Operational Paper: “Working together in electoral assistance. Formulating and implementing electoral assistance projects in the context of the EC-UNDP partnership” (2013)

 

UNDP: Workshop on Electoral Operational Planning - Final Report and Recommendations (2011)

 

Elections, Violence & Conflict Prevention, EC-UNDP JTF Thematic Workshop Summary Report (2011)

 

Joint EC-UNDP Task Force on Electoral Assistance: Workshop on Effective Electoral Assistance – Participants´ Guidebook (2011)

 

IFES: Strategic Planning for Effective Electoral Management (2011)

 

UNDP/INE: Election Campaign Regulations in 18 Latin American Countries (2014)

This publication is part of a series on Compared Electoral Studies that the National Electoral Institute (Instituto Nacional Electoral) of Mexico publishes with the aim to produce, disseminate and exchange specialized knowledge from a global and comparative experience. This series entitled “Election Campaign Regulations in 18 Latin American Countries” offers a general and comparative overview of the current situation, challenges and outlooks for electoral campaign regulations in the region. The publication is available in Spanish and English.

Namibia: Electoral Act No. 5 of 2014

 

Pakistan: Final Report, National and Provincial Assembly Elections, ANFREL (2013)

 

Democracy, Elections and Reform in Cambodia: Annual Report, ANFREL (2013)

 

Nepal: Constituent Assembly Election, Final Report, ANFREL (2013)

 

Afghanistan: Summary & Findings, Complete Ballot Audit, ANFREL (2014)

 

Sri Lanka: Press Statement, Parliamentary Elections, ANFREL (2015)

 

Sri Lanka: Interim Report, Parliamentary Elections, ANFREL (2015)

 

Guyana: Preliminary Statement, General and Regional Elections, Carter Center (2015)

 

Libya: Final Report, Constitutional Drafting Assembly Elections, Carter Center (2014)

 

Libya: Final Report, General National Congress Elections, Carter Center (2014)

 

Madagascar: Final Report, Legislative and Second Round of Presidential Elections, Carter Center (2013)

 

Tunisia: Final Report, Legislative and Presidential Elections, Carter Center (2014)

 

Armenia: Analysis and Recommendations, Presidential Elections, Committee for Open Democracy (2013)

 

Sri Lanka: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, Commonwealth Observer Group (2015)

 

Botswana: Final Report, General Elections, Commonwealth (2014)

 

Georgia: Final Report, Local Elections, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (2014)

 

Georgia: Preliminary Statement, Local Elections, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (2014)

 

Ukraine: Preliminary Conclusions, Pre-Term Local Elections, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (2014)

 

Armenia: Final Report, Election of the Members of the Avagani of the City of Yerevan, Congres of Local and National Authorities (2013)

 

Macedonia: Final Report, Municipal Elections, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (2013)

 

Macedonia: Preliminary Statement, Local and Regional Elections, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (2013)

 

Bosnia: Preliminary Statement, Local Elections, Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (2013)

 

Egypt: Preliminary Statement, House of Representatives Elections, Democracy International (2015)

 

Afghanistan: Final Report, Presidential and Provincial Council Elections, Democracy International (2014)

 

Egypt: Final Report, Presidential Elections, Democracy International (2014)

 

Egypt: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections, EISA (2015)

 

Egypt: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections (First Phase), EISA (2015)

 

Egypt: Preliminary Statement, Constitutional Amendment, EISA (2014)

 

Uganda: Post-Election Statement, General Elections, EISA (2016)

 

Uganda: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, AU (2016)

 

Uganda: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EU (2016)

 

Uganda: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EISA (2016)

 

Zambia: Preliminary Statement, Presidential By-Election, EISA (2015)

 

Nigeria: Final Report, General Elections, EU (2015)

 

Nigeria: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EU (2015)

 

Nigeria: Second Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EU (2015)

 

Sri Lanka: Final Report,Parliamentary Elections, EU (2015)

 

Sri Lanka: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections, EU (2015)

 

Egypt: Final Report, Presidential Elections, EU (2014)

 

Egypt: Preliminary Statement, Presidential Elections, EU (2014)

 

Guinea: Final Report, Presidential and Legislative Elections, EU (2014)

 

Kosovo: Final Report, Legislative Elections, EU (2014)

 

Kosovo: Preliminary Statement, Legislative Elections, EU (2014)

 

Malawi: Final Report, Presidential, Local Council, and Parliamentary Elections, EU (2014)

 

Malawi: Preliminary Statement, Presidential, Local Council, and Parliamentary Elections, EU (2014)

 

Maldives: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, EU (2014)

 

Maldives: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections, EU (2014)

 

Mozambique: Final Report, General Elections, EU (2014)

 

Mozambique: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EU (2014)

 

Jordan: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, EU (2013)

 

Jordan: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections, EU (2013)

 

Kenya: Final Report, General Elections, EU (2013)

 

Kenya: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EU (2013)

 

Kosovo: Final Report, Municipal, EU (2013)

 

Nepal: Preliminary Statement, Constituent Elections, EU (2013)

 

Nepal: Final Report, Constituent Assembly Elections, EU (2013)

 

Swaziland: Final Report, Primary and Secondary Elections, EU (2013)

 

Pakistan: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EU (2013)

 

Guinea: Preliminary Statement, General Elections, EU (2014)

 

Afghanistan: Preliminary Statement, 2nd Round Presidential Election, EU (2014)

 

Tunisia: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections, Gender Election Monitoring (2014)

 

Morocco: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections, Gender Election Monitoring (2014)

 

Myanmar: Preliminary Statement, Parliamentary Elections, Gender Election Monitoring (2015)

 

Jordan: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, GNRD (2013)

 

Algeria: Final Report, Presidential Election, GNRD (2014)

 

Egypt: Final Report, Presidential Election, GNRD (2014)

 

Tunisia: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, GNRD (2014)

 

Georgia: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, IECES (2012)

 

Ukraine: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, IECES (2012)

 

Armenia: Final Report, Presidential Election, IECES (2013)

 

Jordan: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, IRI (2013)

 

Georgia: Final Report, Local Election, IRI (2014)

 

Tunisia: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, IRI (2014)

 

Tunisia: Final Report, Presidential Election, IRI (2014)

 

Nigeria: Final Report, National Elections, IRI (2015)

 

Tunisia: Final Report, Legislative and Presidential Election, NDI (2014)

 

Antigua and Barbuda: Final Report, General Election, OAS (2014)

 

Dominica: Verbal Report, General Elections, OAS (2014)

 

Haiti: Final Report, General, Presidential, Municipal and Local Elections, OAS (2015)

 

Suriname: Verbal Report, General Election, OAS (2015)

 

Guyana: Verbal Report, General and Regional Elections, OAS (2015)

 

Dominica: Verbal Report, General Election, OAS (2014)

 

Afghanistan: Final Report, Presidential and Provincial Council Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2014)

 

Hungary: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2014)

 

Macedonia: Final Report, Presidential and Early Presidential Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2014)

 

Moldova: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2014)

 

Uzbekistan: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2014)

 

Tajikistan: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Estonia: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Uzbekistan: Final Report, Presidential Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

United Kingdom: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Turkey: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Turkey: Final Report, Presidential Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Poland: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Belarus: Final Report, Presidential Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Kyrgyz Republic: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Turkey: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Armenia: Final Report, Constitutional Referendum, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Swiss Confederation: Final Report, Federal Assembly Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Croatia: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Ukraine: Final Report, Local Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Spain: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Moldova: Final Report, Local Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Albania: Final Report, Local Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2015)

 

Solomon Islands: Final Report, Parliamentary Election, PIF (2014)

 

Lesotho: Final Report, National Assembly Elections, SADC (2015)

 

Namibia: Interim Report, Presidential and National Assembly Elections, SADC (2014)

 

Zimbabwe: Final Report, General Elections, SADC (2013)

 

Lebanon: Introduction to Municipal Elections (2016)

A short video introduction to Lebanon's municipal councils and its various actors and functions. Created by the UNDP Lebanese Elections Assistance Project.

Lebanon: How to Run as a Candidate for Municipal Council (2016)

A short video on how to run for the municipal elections in Lebanon. Created by the UNDP Lebanese Elections Assistance Project.

Lebanon: Analyzing the 2010 Municipal Elections in Numbers (2016)

A short video that looks at the number of nominated and elected women candidates in the 2010 municipal elections in Lebanon. Created by the UNDP Lebanese Elections Assistance Project.

Lebanon: Women in Municipalities (2016)

A short documentary on the work of women elected officials in municipalities in Lebanon. Created by UNDP Lebanese Elections Assistance Project (LEAP).

Lebanon: Election Materials (2016)

A variety of materials related to elections and civic engagement in Lebanon. Created by the UNDP Lebanese Elections Assistance Project (LEAP).

Egypt: Principles for Independent and Sustainable Electoral Management (2012)

Prepared by the UNDP Electoral Support Project in Egypt.

Arabic Lexicon of Electoral Terminology

With close to 500 entries, the tri-lingual (Arabic, English and French) the lexicon provides clear and accurate explanations of key concepts and terms in the field of elections. The Lexicon documents the most widely accepted electoral terms in Arabic accounting for regional language variations in eight participating countries, namely, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Tunisia and Yemen. Electoral practices and experience vary widely across the Arabic-speaking world and different terms are used in different countries to refer to the same roles or activities in the electoral process. This Lexicon is a first effort to bridge that gap.

Tunisia: Controlling Campaign Finance for Municipal Elections (2016)

Looks at the work of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in promoting the control of campaign finance for the upcoming municipal elections in Tunisia.

Somalia:"National Leader Forum Communique" (2016)

The National Leader Forum Communique was held in Mogadishu from 9 to 12 April, 2016. The document contains the agreement on the 2016 electoral process in Somalia.

Somalia:"Somalila Elections 2016: The way forward" (2016)

This report describes political background and electoral process for 2016 election. It also made recommendations for future. It is published by Act for Somalia, a non-partisan independent non-governmental Somali-British organization in March 2016.

Voting Procedures for Persons with Disabilities in Jordan

Created by Jordan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) and supported by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for parliamentary elections held in 2013, this public service announcement provides instructions for each step of the voting process and rules on who may be an assistant (if one is requested). Sign language interpretation, animation and on-screen text are used increase accessibility for Jordanians with disabilities.

Slovakia: Final Report, Parliamentary Elections, OSCE/ODIHR (2016)

 

تونس: دليل إجراءات الإقتراع والفرز (الإنتخابات التشريعية والرئيسية لسنة ٢٠١٤)

 

Tunisia: General Voter Information for Presidential Elections

 

تونس: الملصق بعنوان "كيف نصوت بالطريقة الصحيحة؟" 2014

 

تونس: إعلان بعنوان "نحب تونس، ماله نقيد" للتشجيع على المشاركة في الانتخابات (1)

 

Tunisia: Unofficial Translation of the Regulation of the High Independent Authority for Elections (2014)

 

Tunisia: What are the Legislative Elections and Polling Steps

 

Tunisia: Candidatures for 2014 Legislative Election

 

Somalia: Provisional Constitution (2012)

 

Arab States: Appointment mechanisms and relative judicial independence (2014)

 

Jordan: Consolidated Law on the Independent Election Commission (2015)

Consolidated Law on the Independent Election Commission 1 Comprised of Law No. 11 of 2012: Law on the Independent Electoral Commission and Law No. 46 of 2015: Law to Amend the Law on the Independent Election Commission

Jordan: January Parliamentary Election Report (2013)

Parliamentary Election Report by the International Republican Institute on Jordan's 2013 Parliamentary Elections

Jordan: Law on the Election of the House of Representatives (2016)

Jordan's Law on the Election of the House of Representatives. Law No. (6) of 2016

Jordan: Law on Political Parties Law (2015)

Law on Political Parties, Law No. (39) of 2015

Sudan: Handbook for Women Candidates

A toolkit for election campaigning and public speaking by UNDP Sudan

Morocco: Organic Law No. 27-11 on the House of Representatives (2011)

 

Morocco: Constitution (2011)

 

African Union Preliminary Statement- Zambia (2016)

African Union Election Observation Mission to the 2016 General Elections in the Republic of Zambia URL (Required)

Jordan: Consolidated Law on the Independent Election Commission (2015)

 

Access to Justice and Electoral Integrity: A Policy Brief - KAF UNEAD (2016)

As more countries around the world adopt elections as the mechanism to choose their representatives in government, it becomes increasingly important to guarantee electoral integrity. Rigged elections, fraud, and unaddressed open violations of rights related to political participation and representation give democracy a bad name. This paper outlines the importance of access to justice in preventing this and in offering solutions in the field of elections.

Changing term limits: an electoral perspective - KAF UNEAD (2016)

Initiatives to change or sidestep presidential term limits are often presented as a response to popular demand, yet tend to be deeply polarizing. A number of recent instances have led to significant unrest and even violence. But what are the applicable international norms? Opinion on the legality of changing term limits tends to be sharply divided, including among the international community. In an effort to fine-tune policy debate, this paper looks at the normative framework relating to term limits and their removal. It recommends that the issue be approached as a matter of maintaining confidence in a country’s electoral process and political system. This means focusing on the process by which term limits might be amended or interpreted.

Risk Management in Elections: Policy Paper - International IDEA (2016)

Elections are complex undertakings. Regardless of where they take place, election management bodies (EMBs) face numerous risks in organizing them. These risks are linked to the legal, operational, technical, political and security aspects of electoral processes. When risks become certainties, the consequences can be serious in both well-established and transitional democracies. Risk management has been endorsed by many professions for dealing with complex tasks, and is now emerging as an area of increased importance for EMBs, electoral assistance providers and democracy researchers. This Policy Paper demonstrates the importance of institutionalizing risk management in elections. It discusses key terminological and methodological aspects of risk management in order to derive election-specific definitions, and outlines the key ingredients of risk management in elections. The paper takes stock of existing electoral risk-management practices, based on the results of a global survey of 87 countries carried out by International IDEA, and case studies provided by EMBs in Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, India, Mexico and South Africa, as well as a comparative case study of Kenya, Nepal and Nigeria.

Confidence in elections and the acceptance of results - KAF UNEAD (2016)

What makes the contestants in an election accept its outcome? This policy brief of the Kofi Annan Foundation puts forward the notion that confidence is a key factor, and that this is shaped by the broader political context in which elections take place, not just by the quality of the electoral process itself. A comprehensive strategy for promoting the peaceful acceptance of election results should therefore include a broad range of political and technical measures – not limited to electoral assistance – as catalogued in this brief. An annex presents an annotated selection of recent scholarly publications, to highlight connections between policy and academia in this new field of research.

Prioritizing Justice: Policy Paper - International IDEA (2016)

When a country begins a political transition away from violent conflict or non-democratic rule, there are many difficult steps that it must take. Developing an electoral justice system, which includes the means and mechanisms to ensure that electoral integrity is maintained or restored when an electoral process is damaged by repression, misconduct, or irregularities, may appear to decision-makers to be a secondary concern or even an afterthought. This Policy Paper argues for the establishment of an electoral justice system at the outset of a transition, and before initial elections are held. It explains why doing so, despite the challenges, is so important, and offers recommendations on how to develop such systems, in an environment where an adequate legal framework and strong electoral justice institutions may not yet exist

Guidelines for the Development of a Social Media Code of Conduct for Elections - International IDEA (2015)

The use of social media during elections has increased dramatically in recent years. Electoral management bodies (EMBs) have noted stakeholders’ increasing reliance on social media throughout the electoral cycle, but have also voiced concerns about the potential use of social media to spread hate speech, misinformation and rumours. As a first step towards addressing these concerns, International IDEA has produced guidelines for the development of a social media code of conduct for elections. This publication provides general guidance for EMBs and other stakeholders seeking to reach agreement on a code of etiquette for the publication and dissemination of election-related news and information via social media.

Electoral integrity: ensuring rethoric reflects realities in African electoral assessments, EISA (2016)

Because the African Union (AU) and the regional economic communities (RECs) play a leading role in promoting democracy on the continent, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) felt it was important to review the role, work and impact of these intergovernmental organisations on the observation of and reporting on elections. This policy brief reviews current trends in election practices in Africa and the challenges that affect their integrity. It also proposes ways in which these intergovernmental organisations can better assess and promote the integrity of elections in their member states by enhancing their framework, methodology and relations with different stakeholders.

Choosing Our Mascot - Elections Canada (2016)

 

Democracy Around the Wold - Elections Canada (2016)

 

Democracy Made By You - Elections Canada (2016)

 

Canada at the Polls - Elementary Level - Elections Canada (2016)

 

Canada at the Polls - Secondary Level - Elections Canada (2016)

 

Overview of the Electoral Risk Management Tool - International IDEA (2013)

The Electoral Risk Management Tool (ERMTool) is designed to empower people to ensure peaceful and credible elections. Intended users are electoral management bodies, security sector agencies, civil society and other state and non-state actors. The ERMTool aims to build the user’s capacity to understand, analyze, and mitigate electoral risks. The ERMTool can build users' capacity to understand electoral risk factors, collect and analyze risk data, design prevention and mitigation strategies, and record the results of actions. The tool consists of three integrated parts. A knowledge library describes in detail 36 electoral risk factors, both internal and external to electoral processes. An analytical instruments section allows users to create analytical models specific to a country or election, upload data to generate risk maps and trend charts, and create a register of risks and actions. The prevention module consists of a digital library with approximately 100 action points intended to inspire user in designing strategies to prevent and mitigate electoral risks, including election-related violence, at the different phases of the electoral cycle.

Arab World: Annual Report, Election Management Bodies, ArabEMBs, 2015-2016

The annual report highlights the development, activities, and achievements of the Organization of Arab Electoral Management Bodies (ArabEMBs) for the year 2015-2016.

Arab World: Forum Report, EMBs in the Arab States, League of Arab States-UN, 2016

Building on the successful partnership between the League of Arab States (LAS) and the United Nations (UN) LAS and UN held the ‘Forum for Electoral Management Bodies in the Arab States’ at its headquarters in Cairo from 9 to 11 May 2016. This first of its kind event, brought together officials and representatives of electoral management bodies (EMBs) in the Arab states.

ECOWAS: International Workshop on Ten years of Electoral Experiences and Promotion of Democracy & 2017 Biennial General Assembly Meeting of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) March 2017

The 2017 Biennial General Assembly Meeting of ECONEC held on 29 March 2017 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, on the margins of the ECOWAS International Workshop International Workshop on ten years of Electoral Experiences in West Africa. All ECONEC members were present at the meeting with the exception of EC Ghana. The main point on the agenda was the election of a new Board.

Voter Education Game- I am a Voter

The UNDP/UNICEF/Peacebuilding Fund Project “Women – peaceful Voters and Candidates” (Kyrgyzstan) has developed a board game for mobilizing and educating women voters. The game is a very cost effective tool for civic education and voter outreach. (Read more on the experiences from Kyrgyzstan here: http://www.kg.undp.org/content/kyrgyzstan/en/home/presscenter/articles/2016/09/07/-another-day-is-over-and-we-can-t-quit-playing-the-game-can-be-heard-in-the-households-of-baltagulov-ayil-aimak.html). While it was developed for the Kyrgyz/Central Asian context, it was translated from Russian into English and French, hoping that it can be used in or adopted to other contexts. The game consists of the board displayed in the picture, as well as of a cover and instructions.

Arab World: Regional Youth Innovation Camp Report (2015).

 

Aruba: Constitution, Deutsch (1986)

 

Aruba: Ballot (1997)

 

Kenya: WOMEN LEGISLATORS IN KENYA’S TENTH PARLIAMENT,Association of Media Women in Kenya (2011)

 

Kenya: Voter Education and Voter Registration in Kenya, The United Nations Democracy Fund (2013)

 

Uzbekistan: Final Report, Early Presidential Election, OSCE (2016)

 

Afghanistan: INDEPENDENT ELECTION COMMISSION MEDIA COMMISSION, Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (2014)

 

Bangladesh: Women’s Reserved Seats in Bangladesh: A Systemic Analysis of Meaningful Representation, USAID and UKAID (2016)

 

Iran: The Executive By-law of the Presidential Electoral Law, Iranian Data Portal (2017)

 

Iran: Duality by Design, IFES (2011)

 

Liberia: Regulations on Polling and Counting, Republic of Liberia NEC (2016)

 

Liberia: REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES RELATING TO POLITICAL PARTIES AND INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES, Liberia NEC (2017)

 

Liberia: Candidate Nomination Regulations

 

Liberia: Campaign Finance Regulations, Liberia NEC (2016)

 

India: The Impact of Electronic Voting Machines on Electoral Frauds, Democracy, and Development, Brookings (2017)

 

Macau: Chief Executive Election Law, Macao Special Administrative Region (2004)

 

Macau: The Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Macau Special Administrative Region (1999)

 

American Samoa: 2014 General Election Results, MERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT (2014)

 

American Samoa: GENERAL ELECTION 2016 RESULTS GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR November 8, 2016 UNOFFICIAL, American Samoa Government (2016)

 

American Samoa: GENERAL ELECTION 2016 RESULTS DELEGATE TO US CONGRESS November 8, 2016 UNOFFICIAL, American Samoa Government (2016)

 

UNDP/EC: Youth Participation in Electoral Processes (2017)

Handbook for electoral management bodies on how to increase youth participation in electoral processes.

Youth Participation in Electoral Processes: Handbook for Electoral Management Bodies (2017)

This Handbook, published by the United Nations Development Programme and the European Commission EC-UNDP Joint Task Force on Electoral Assistance, offers Electoral Management Bodies a guide on the inclusion of youth in the political process through empowerment and the participation in electoral operations.

2018 Calendar of elections in Africa

 

2018 Calendar of elections in the Americas

 

2018 Calendar of elections in Asia

 

2018 Calendar of elections in Europe

 

2018 Calendar of elections in Oceania

 

Nepal: Electoral Provisions in Constitution (2016) (English)

Election Provisions in the Constitution of Nepal and Some Relevant Information in English.

Nepal: Her Voice Her Choice, Women in the Constituent Assembly Elections (2013) (English)

Gender Book of the Women in the Constituent Assembly Elections in 2013 in English.

Nepal:Analytical Report on Media Monitoring, Constituent Assembly Elections 2013 (2014) (English)

Analytical Report on Media Monitoring CA Elections 2013 in English.

Nepal: Strategic (2015 - 2019) and Action Plan (2015 - 2016) (2015) (English)

Strategic Plan (2015 - 2019) and Action Plan (2015 - 2016) in English.

Nepal: An Assessment of the Voter Education Program (2015) (English)

Voter Education Program Assessment in English.

Nepal : Electoral Atlas Nepal (2014) (English)

Electoral Atlas of Nepal in English.

Nepal: House of Representatives / Provincial Assembly Elections, Phase 1 (2017) (English)

Info graphic of Federal Elections (House of Representatives / Provincial Assembly Elections) Phase 1 in English.

Nepal: House of Representatives / Provincial Assembly Elections, Phase 2 (2017) (English)

Info graphic of Federal Elections (House of Representatives / Provincial Assembly Elections) Phase 2 in English

Nepal: Local Level Elections, Phase 2 (2017) (English)

Info graphic of Local Level Elections Phase 2 in English.

Regulation of Paid Political Advertising: A Survey

Center for Law and Democracy publication March 2012

Empowering Women For Stronger Political Parties

A guide to promote women's political participation. UNDP and NDI, 2012

Compendium of Election Administration in Canada

Prepared for the Canadian Elections Officials Conference 1999 Produced by Elections Canada Alain Pelletier with the assistance of Marie-Ève Poulin and Nathalie Nye

Voting From Abroad - The International IDEA Handbook 2007

The constitutions of many countries guarantee the right to vote for all citizens. However, in reality, voters who are outside their home country when elections take place are often disenfranchised because of a lack of procedures enabling them to exercise that right. Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook examines the theoretical and practical issues surrounding external voting. It provides an overview of external voting provisions in 115 countries and territories around the world, including a map illustrating the regional spread.

Democracy, Conflict and Human Security: Further Reading (Volume 2) (IDEA, 2006)

For many across the world, democracy is in a crisis of legitimacy and credibility. The idea that people have the right to control their government and that a government is legitimate only if and when it is controlled by the people has won almost global recognition, hardly matched by any other world view in modern history. It transcends cultures, religions and languages; it takes multiple forms and survives in the most inhospitable environments. However, the way in which the idea of democracy is translated into practice can leave much to be desired. In a world characterized by rising inequality, democratic systems will be judged on how they include and deliver to constituent populations. This book, a companion volume to Democracy, Conflict and Human Security: Pursuing Peace in the 21st Century, addresses the nexus between democracy, conflict and human security in a way which recognizes that this is highly political, not technical, terrain. It places at centre stage the fundamental need for democratic practice, and reminds us that in every society, North and South, the democratic project is a long-term, ongoing one. This book is part of IDEA’s efforts to contribute to a major ongoing debate and, hopefully, to the strengthening of a democratic practice that responds to the quests for human dignity and development. This publication contains specific studies which were contributed to the debate, from diverse experiences and contexts. This volume complements and enriches the first volume in two ways: by providing perspectives by leading scholars, analysts and policy makers, and by offering a more in-depth look at critical themes and case studies.

Out-of-Country Voting: A Brief Overview (IFES, 2012)

 

International Consultative Workshop on Leveraging Electoral Training Facilities Globally (ECI IDEA 2017)

The workshop report provides insight into election training in democracies - emerging challenges; experience sharing on training political parties, security personnel, observers, media and CSOs; electoral training for inclusion particularly of women, youth, persons with disabilities and minorities; the use of technology in electoral training / distance learning; and the raison d'être for establishing and operating training facilities and its sustainability issues. It also includes a NEW DELHI STATEMENT ON ELECTORAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

Handbook for European Union Election Observation (2016)

This third edition of the Handbook for European Union Election Observation reflects the EU’s dynamic approach to election observation. While the EU’s methodology for election observation has been continuously developed since it was established in 2000, the core principles upon which EU election observation is built – a long-term approach, encompassing all aspects of an electoral process, grounded in international human rights law – have remained largely unchanged

State Capture in Africa-Old Threats, New Packaging?

The contributors to this volume explore the concept of state capture and its place in democratic discourse in Africa, analysing examples ranging from South Africa to Madagascar, the United States to the former Soviet bloc, in an effort to contribute meaningfully to the debate about the consolidation of transitional democracies.”

The Journal of African Elections Vol 17 (1)

The Journal of African Elections is an interdisciplinary biannual publication of research and writing in the human sciences, which seeks to promote a scholarly understanding of developments and change in Africa.

BRIDGE Curriculum Framework

BRIDGE version 3 modules

Electoral Management Bodies as Institutions of Governance (UNDP)

 

Les organismes de gestion électorale francophones: Un survol comparatif

Ce document de référence, produit en français par ACE, trace le portrait de la structure, de l’administration et de l’histoire des organismes de gestion électorale (OGE) des 31 pays membres du Réseau des compétences électorales francophones (RECEF). Le manuel comprend des informations liées à la répartition géographique des OGE, leur modèle de gestion électorale, leurs domaines de responsabilité, la composition de leur comité exécutif, le processus de nomination de ses membres et la durée de leur mandat.

The United Nations approach to electoral management support (2017)

 

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Maldives: Parliamentary Elections Act (2009)

 

IFES Indelible Ink in Elections

 

IFES Violence Against Women in Politics

 

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics: Violence, Politics, and Gender

 

Violence Against Women in Elections in Papua New Guinea: An IFES Assessment

 

Violence Against Women in Elections in Zimbabwe: An IFES Assessment

 

Violence Against Women in Elections in Haiti: An IFES Assessment

 

Violence Against Women in Elections in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville: An IFES Assessment

 

Elections and COVID-19: Technical Paper by International IDEA

The global spread of COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus disease) has profoundly impacted on the delivery of public services and routine events that are integral to inclusive societies. Electoral processes are one such event. The opportunity for a society to confirm officials in elected office or remove them, within a constitutionally defined timeframe, is a pillar of democratic values and standards. The process of doing this is a communal one, and communal events intrinsically bring people together—a process that is contrary to the informed advice for limiting the transmission of a virus, such as the one that causes COVID-19. Decisions must be made to ensure democratic institutions function as they ordinarily would do, during extraordinary times, such as the outbreak of a global health pandemic. This Technical Paper offers an initial overview of key points for electoral administrators, governments and civil society organizations on administering elections amid the continued spread of COVID-19.

Preparation of Voter List with Photograph

 

A Compendium of Legal Provisions Pertaining to Elections and Referenda

A publication by the Independent High Authority for Elections in Tunisia (ISIE) that contains a collection of the legal provisions pertaining to elections and referenda in Tunisia. Published in 2020.

Gender and Inclusion Policy In Election Management, 2021 (Nep + Eng)

निर्वाचन व्यवस्थापनमा लैङ्गिक तथा समावेशी नीति, २०७७

Election Commission of Nepal, Social Media Policy - English

 

Gender and Inclusion Policy in Election Management (English & Nepali)

This policy has been updated from the one in 2070 B.S. to adapt to the new context. It contains five strategies and 57 activities to ensure inclusive elections. This policy was formed based on a rigorous consultation with election stakeholders. It urges for development of gender-friendly monitoring tools at all cycles of the elections. GI policy aims at strengthening the capacity of the electoral stakeholders, including political parties.

Mapa de elecciones 2023