Democracy and Governance - US Department of State

Democracy and Governance


Registration officers cope with a high volume of voters at a polling station in Artik, Armenia. (IFES)

SUCCESS STORY:

Armenian Elections Move Forward with Help from U.S. Group

The international community is giving Armenia its first positive marks for an election since the country gained independence in 1991 -- for National Assembly elections held in May. The U.S.-based nongovernmental organization IFES has worked closely with several government and community entities in Armenia to help move the country closer to achieving its goal of having elections that meet international standards. (complete text)

Liberia Moves Toward Credible Elections with U.S. Support

Liberian election officials have taken an important step toward administering credible elections. In June 2007, the U.S.-based nongovernmental organization IFES hosted intensive trainings in Liberia to introduce the country's election officials to an innovative curriculum called Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections, or BRIDGE. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported the training.(complete text)

Guatemalan Mayor Uses Modern Management Tools To Boost Services

USAID supports local government and education as fundamental to both democracy and economic development. Municipalities that invest in education and roads and that form partnerships with the private sector can take full advantage of new opportunities provided by the Central America free-trade agreement with the United States. Leaders like Garcia are leveraging foreign assistance to propel their constituencies forward to a better life with equal opportunities for all.(complete text)

Training Empowers Women Legislators in Indonesia's Aceh

Ibu Nurhayati enters her office, her cell phone ringing. The phone's ring tone is an American rhythm and blues song discordant with her heavy, conservative dress. For an Acehnese woman in a conservative society, Nurhayati is remarkably forthright when analyzing her life choices. "I think I knew I could take a position of leadership as far back as junior high school. I had the activist in me even then. I also knew I was destined to champion issues of gender, to become a woman legislator," she explains. (complete text)