Here in the US, we’re quick to criticize our elections process, with our “hanging chads” from a couple of elections ago. But, in truth, our process is one of the most efficient in the world. There are many countries still struggling with fair and accurate elections. Here are some countries that have made recent strides in the way they handle elections.
The Philippines – This country held their first automated elections in 2010, and has been praised for the transparency and efficiency of their new process. They also launched a project called “Ambassadors for Transparency”, an education program aimed at teaching people about the importance of transparency and trust in elections and government.
Guinea – The Carter Center recently announced that they were encouraged by this year’s electoral campaign in the African nation of Guinea. They are particularly impressed with the country’s National Electoral Commission, whose goal is to ensure inclusive elections. This year’s presidential elections in Guinea will be the first truly democratic and openly contested elections since the country declared its independence in 1958. The Carter Center works all over the globe to help countries develop electoral processes that are fair and inclusive.
Georgia – Georgia’s 2010 elections were also something to be impressed by. It was the first time that mayors had been elected by popular vote, rather than being selected by city councils. In addition, elections had brought protests, mistrust and acrimony. Some political parties were even boycotting Parliament. This year’s peaceful and non eventful elections were a big step in the right direction.
Nigeria – Nigeria’s acting President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to the UN and the US that he will work to quickly improve the elections process in Nigeria. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, and elections are often chaotic there. Their last election in 2007 was marred by voter intimidation, widespread violence during campaigning and voting, as well as accusations by the opposition of fraud during vote counting.
But it isn’t just small or developing countries that seek to improve their elections. Many large and well developed nations are constantly striving to improve their electoral process. Here are some recent developments
US – In 2002, the US instituted a program called “Help America Vote”, designed to reduce the chances of voter fraud and to streamline the electoral process.
UK – In the UK, there are several groups pushing for more electoral reform, including Fairshare, Make Votes Count and Electoral Reform Society. During the 2010 general election, it appeared that there was the possibility of a hung Parliament, which moved electoral reform to the forefront of UK politics.
The United Nations plays a great role in helping countries hold fair and accurate elections. Their Fair Elections Commission sends international observers to national elections that are likely to face challenges. The electoral process is always an evolving one, in any country. New technologies as well as new political environments serve to make the process of electing officials always a fluid one.
P. Zerkle is passionate about providing students information on obtaining a masters in public administration.
The Philippines – This country held their first automated elections in 2010, and has been praised for the transparency and efficiency of their new process. They also launched a project called “Ambassadors for Transparency”, an education program aimed at teaching people about the importance of transparency and trust in elections and government.
Guinea – The Carter Center recently announced that they were encouraged by this year’s electoral campaign in the African nation of Guinea. They are particularly impressed with the country’s National Electoral Commission, whose goal is to ensure inclusive elections. This year’s presidential elections in Guinea will be the first truly democratic and openly contested elections since the country declared its independence in 1958. The Carter Center works all over the globe to help countries develop electoral processes that are fair and inclusive.
Georgia – Georgia’s 2010 elections were also something to be impressed by. It was the first time that mayors had been elected by popular vote, rather than being selected by city councils. In addition, elections had brought protests, mistrust and acrimony. Some political parties were even boycotting Parliament. This year’s peaceful and non eventful elections were a big step in the right direction.
Nigeria – Nigeria’s acting President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to the UN and the US that he will work to quickly improve the elections process in Nigeria. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, and elections are often chaotic there. Their last election in 2007 was marred by voter intimidation, widespread violence during campaigning and voting, as well as accusations by the opposition of fraud during vote counting.
But it isn’t just small or developing countries that seek to improve their elections. Many large and well developed nations are constantly striving to improve their electoral process. Here are some recent developments
US – In 2002, the US instituted a program called “Help America Vote”, designed to reduce the chances of voter fraud and to streamline the electoral process.
UK – In the UK, there are several groups pushing for more electoral reform, including Fairshare, Make Votes Count and Electoral Reform Society. During the 2010 general election, it appeared that there was the possibility of a hung Parliament, which moved electoral reform to the forefront of UK politics.
The United Nations plays a great role in helping countries hold fair and accurate elections. Their Fair Elections Commission sends international observers to national elections that are likely to face challenges. The electoral process is always an evolving one, in any country. New technologies as well as new political environments serve to make the process of electing officials always a fluid one.
P. Zerkle is passionate about providing students information on obtaining a masters in public administration.
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