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Elections

There is tremendous variety in the NGOs, IGOs and other bodies with a presence on the Internet and the number of such Web sites grows daily. The organizations currently presented in this section were chosen for their mission of fostering positive, democratic change around the world.


Given the dynamic nature of the Web, this section is not an exhaustive list of relevant organizations and responsibility for site content and maintenance rests with the owners. Please note that the inclusion of an organization does not imply endorsement by the National Endowment for Democracy. If you would like to suggest a site to be added to this list please send a message to gingerr@ned.org.


The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network
http://www.aceproject.org
Project partners are IFES, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Elections Canada, Instituto Federal Electoral - Mexico, EISA, and United Nations Development Programme.
Subject: Elections
Region: Global
Languages: English; Spanish; French

Research Tools:
1. The web site contains comprehensive information on all aspects of organizing elections. It is divided into six major topic areas: ACE Encyclopaedia; Comparative Data; Elections Today; Regions & Countries; Electoral Materials; Electoral Advice.


Albert Einstein Institution
http://www.aeinstein.org
The Albert Einstein Institution is a nonprofit organization advancing the study and use of strategic nonviolent action in conflicts throughout the world. We are committed to the defense of freedom, democracy, and the reduction of political violence through the use of nonviolent action. Our goals are to understand the dynamics of nonviolent action in conflicts, to explore its policy potential, and to communicate this through print and other media, translations, conferences, consultations, and workshops.
Subject: Civic Education; Civil Society Strengthening; Conflict Resolution; Elections
Region: Global
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1.  full-text, downloadable publications of the Albert Einstein Institution in more than 30 languages, including "From Dictatorship to Democracy"
2.  information on current projects
3.  information on nonviolent action


American Center for International Labor Solidarity (Solidarity Center)
http://www.solidaritycenter.org
The Solidarity Center is a non-profit AFL-CIO allied organization that assists workers around the world who are struggling to build democratic and independent trade unions. We work with unions and community groups worldwide to achieve equitable, sustainable, democratic development and to help men and women everywhere stand up for their rights and improve their living and working standards.
Subject: Civic Education; Civil Society Strengthening; Conflict Resolution; Elections; Labor Unions and Workers Rights; Legislative Development and Assistance; Media and Freedom of Expression; Rule of Law; Transparency and Anti-Corruption; Women's Issues
Region: Africa; Latin America and the Caribbean; Asia; Europe; Eurasia; Middle East and North Africa
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1. full-text, downloadable publications of Solidarity Center and partner reports, brochures, and other tools
2. current news and links to ICFTU updates
3. information on current projects
4. links to labor and worker rights organizations and to foreign-language web sites developed by Solidarity Center partners


Carter Center
http://www.cartercenter.org
The Carter Center develops and implements programs around the world to prevent or resolve conflicts, strengthen human rights, and foster democracy and improve health.
Subject: Conflict Resolution; Human Rights; Elections
Region: Global
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1. News releases and associated archive.
2. Event postings.
3. Online publications, newsletters, and reports.


Elections Around the World
http://www.electionworld.org
Electionworld.org focuses worldwide elections on a country basis.
Subject: Elections
Region: Global
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1. calendar of global elections
2. links to election, parliaments, and party resources
3. news on latest election results
4. country reports on election reports.
5. an election discussion forum is available


Inter-Parliamenary Union (IPU)
http://www.ipu.org
The IPU is the international organization of Parliaments of sovereign States established in 1889. The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.
Subject: Elections; Political Parties and Political Leadership; Measurement and Ranking; Legislative Development and Assistance
Region: Global
Languages: English; French

Research Tools:
1. PARLINE- a database containing general information on participanting Parliament's chambers, description of the electoral system, results of the most recent elections, information on the presidency of each Chamber, information on the mandate and status of members of Parliament.
2. PARLIT- a searchable bibliographic database on books and articles dealing with parliamentary law and practice
3. full-text, monthly web publication The Journal, which gives the latest news on parliamentary proceedings around the world
4. links to Parliamentary web sites, organized by country
5. Women in National Parliaments data and bibliographic database
6. links to other organizations
7. information on current and past conferences


International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES)
http://www.ifes.org
IFES is a nonprofit organization that provides nonpartisan technical assistance worldwide to promote democracy and serves as a clearinghouse for information about democratic development and elections.
Subject: Elections; Civil Society Strengthening; Rule of Law
Region: Global
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1. ElectionGuide.org: A comprehensive worldwide election calendar and guide for election results.
2. Survey Reports: The results of surveys and focus groups conducted by IFES in some 20 countries around the world.
3. IFES Publications: A wide range of IFES-authored publications, including electoral assessments, program news, white papers and handbooks.
4. Elections Today: Full text of past articles. Elections Today covers the electoral process and election news from around the world.
5. Democracy at large: Full index of articles with full text of selected issues. Democracy at large covers democracy development worldwide.
6. Links: Collection of links to electoral commissions as well as other organizations working in the democracy development field.
7. Money & Politics website: Information about global initiatives to promote good governance and the rule of law through transparency, accountability and regulatory enforcement of political finance laws.
8. Arab Election Law Compendium website: Collection of election laws in Arabic, English or French from countries throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa.
9. Buyer's Guide to Election Suppliers: An index of suppliers of election goods and services.
10. ElectionAccess.org: An analysis of election laws that impact citizens with disabilities that also highlights best practices in providing citizens with disabilities greater access to the electoral process.
11. Press Releases: Full archive of IFES' activities.


International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)
http://www.idea.int
A Swedish based organization IDEA was founded to promote and advance sustainable democracy and strengthen electoral processes worldwide.
Subject: Elections; Measurement and Ranking
Region: Global
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1. links to various organizations dealing with elections, local governments and constitutions
2. links to IDEA member countries and institutions
3. International IDEA Voter Turnout Website, www.idea.int/vt/index.cfm.
4. International IDEA Handbook Electoral System Design, www.idea.int/esd/publications.cfm. Fully revised in 2002, this handbook is available in English, Spanish, Arabic and French.


International Republican Institute (IRI)
http://www.iri.org
IRI is U.S.-based organization that provides grants to democracy activists around the world. Projects range from grassroots political organizing and campaign management, to polling and judicial reform.
Subject: Civic Education; Elections; Political Parties and Political Leadership
Region: Global
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1. daily summaries of current political developments in the world
2. video library containing video clips of various presentations


National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)
http://www.ndi.org
Based in Washington, NDI provides nonpartisan, practical assistance to citizens and their civic and political leaders who are working in support of democratic practices and institutions. Work involves joining with democrats around the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation.
Subject: Political Parties and Political Leadership; Civic Education; Elections
Region: Global
Languages: English

Research Tools:
1. full-text versions of NDI reports on elections in developing countries (listed by country)


Organization of American States (OAS)
http://www.oas.org/
The Organization of American States (OAS) is the hemisphere's primary policy forum for multilateral dialogue and action. Founded in 1890 as the International Union of American Republics, the modern OAS emerged in April 1948, when 21 countries joined to adopt its current Charter. Currenlty the OAS is an institution of 34 active member countries engaged in a broad set of common endeavours, ranging from strengthening regional security and supporting trade liberalization to consolidating democracy, fighting illicit drug trafficking, and promoting sustainable development.
Subject: Elections; Legislative Development and Assistance; Civic Education; Civil Society Strengthening
Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
Languages: English; Spanish; French; portuguese

Research Tools:
1. full-text publications
2. full-text documents on the OAS, including their Charter and Annual Reports
3. videos
4. speeches
5. radio broadcasts
6. webcasts



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