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22. The Carter Center News Fall 2005
- Publication Date:
- 09-2005
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- Increased competition and opposition participation in elections observed by The Carter Center in Liberia and Ethiopia marked progress for democracy in Africa in recent months. Ethiopia's May 2005 elections for national parliament, which gave citizens ademocratic choice for the first time, were sharply contested by opposition groups. In the Oct. 11 Liberian presidential and legislative elections, the country's first truly competitive elections in 25 years, 22 candidates vied for the presidency.
- Topic:
- International Relations, Democratization, Human Rights, and Political Economy
- Political Geography:
- Africa, Liberia, and Ethiopia
23. Summary of Proceedings: Automated Voting and Election Observation
- Publication Date:
- 03-2005
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- Automated voting (sometimes referred to as electronic or e-voting) technologies are increasingly used in elections across the world, particularly because they are often seen as symbolic of a country's level of modernization. The possibilities for rapid aggregation and analysis of results, as well as potentially greater accuracy, have all added to the attractiveness of computer-based voting equipment. There is little doubt that the ability to quickly publish results can be of particular advantage in conflict and post-conflict scenarios, where a prolonged period of counting can heighten tensions and reduce confidence in the final results. The potential to remove some traditional elements of unintentional voter error or intentional fraud can also contribute to greater confidence, while at the same time raising new questions.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Human Rights, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- United States
24. The carter center financing democracy in guatemala. Final Report: Financing Democracy in Guatemala
- Publication Date:
- 05-2004
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- In recent years discussions about the quality of democracy in the Western Hemisphere have focused increasing concern on the financing of political parties and their campaigns. Unlimited spending on campaigns is believed (correctly or not) to have raised the cost of elections to the point where poor candidates stand little chance of competing and the prospect of creating a level playing field for parties and their candidates has become decidedly remote. Undisclosed contributions of licit or illicit origin by wealthy donors have meanwhile intensified the dependence of elected officials on their campaign funders, increasing the likelihood that politicians respond to donor interests and hindering effective representation for the ordinary citizen in the making of public policy. In tandem, these trends are contributing to public cynicism about parties and candidates, and about the possibilities for meaningful citizen participation in politics.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Economics, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Latin America and Central America
25. Financing Democracy in the Americas
- Publication Date:
- 05-2004
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- Citizens throughout the hemisphere increasingly question the integrity of political processes with opaque methods of financing and access. After a quarter-century of democratic governance, money-conscious voters in Latin America's troubled economies have begun to ask whether elections really allow them to hold governments accountable for enacting promised reform s or whether instead politicians respond primarily to the special interest groups who fund their campaigns. Democracy remains a valued good, but questions are being asked about how much it costs, who pays, and whether the need to raise funds distorts policy agendas.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Economics, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Latin America and Central America
26. Observing the 2002 Jamaica Parliamentary Elections
- Author:
- Laura Neuman
- Publication Date:
- 06-2003
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- Following the 1997 elections, the Jamaican electoral authorities instituted a number of reforms to improve the electoral process and increase voter confidence in its credibility. Measures such as purifying the electoral registry, appointing a nonpartisan corps of election day workers, and instituting a policy of consultative decision-making underpinned these successful administrative efforts. More difficult to address than the technical components of the election, however, was the continuing fear of violence and intimidation. Innovative models of conflict prevention and resolution were designed and, to a greater or lesser degree, implemented. Overall, The Carter Center found the 2002 Jamaican elections to be exemplary in its organization and preparations and to reflect adequately the will of the people. Nevertheless, we remain concerned over the violence during the campaign period and the voter intimidation that persisted in these elections, as well as the deleterious effect of the political tribalism and garrison phenomenon.
- Topic:
- Political Violence, Civil Society, and Democratization
- Political Geography:
- Caribbean and Jamaica
27. Observing the 2002 Kenya Elections
- Publication Date:
- 06-2003
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- Kenya's independence leader, Jomo Kenyatta, of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), held power from independence in June 1963 to the time of his death in August 1978. He was succeeded by then Vice President Daniel arap Moi, who retained the presidency through Kenya's multiparty elections in 1992 and 1997. However, both elections were marred by controversy owing to political violence, widespread voting irregularities, and fraud.
- Topic:
- Political Violence, Civil Society, Corruption, Democratization, and Human Rights
- Political Geography:
- Kenya and Africa
28. Observations on The Township People's Congress Elections in Chongqing
- Publication Date:
- 01-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- This report describes in detail The Carter Center's activities in China from July 1998 to January 1999 with a focus on the observation of China's village and township elections and recommendations to improve the quality of those elections. The report is divided into two parts. Part I is a report on the Center's observation of township elections in Chongqing. Part II covers the Center's activities with respect to village elections in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA ).
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Democratization, and Mass Media
- Political Geography:
- China
29. Observing The 2002 Mali Presidential Elections
- Publication Date:
- 10-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- Mali's 2002 presidential elections mark an important step in Mali's democratic consolidation following the completion of President Alpha Oumar Konare's two terms in office.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Democratization, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Africa and Mali
30. The Carter Center News, July-December 2002
- Publication Date:
- 12-2002
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- The Carter Center
- Abstract:
- Building hope is the ultimate goal of the Carter Center's mission to wage peace and fight disease worldwide. We empower people to take control of their own problems by sharing with them the knowledge they need to build a more positive future.
- Topic:
- Democratization and Human Welfare
- Political Geography:
- Africa, South America, and Caribbean