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Elections

The right to vote and the right to stand for election are two fundamental elements of democracy. Notably, many countries did not afford women the right to vote until the 20th Century. Even today, universal suffrage is not a given right in all countries, and women often face obstacles that undermine their participation in political and electoral processes. There are various ways to support women in overcoming these obstacles. Such methods include revising the electoral system used, applying affirmative action mechanisms such as quotas, improving voter education for women and training political candidates. These are a few of the modes available to strengthen women’s political participation .Photo©Jens Franssen

Towards Inclusive Governance: Promoting the Participation of Disadvantaged Groups in Asia-Pacific

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June 27, 2008

Towards Inclusive Governance: Promoting the Participation of Disadvantaged Groups in Asia-Pacific

This publication examines the application of the principles of non-discrimination, participation, accountability and empowerment in governance arenas.

This publication examines the application of the principles of non-discrimination, participation, accountability and empowerment in governance arenas.

Practitioner’s Guide to Designing Inclusive and Accountable Local Democratic Institutions

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June 27, 2008

Practitioner’s Guide to Designing Inclusive and Accountable Local Democratic Institutions

This guide is the first of its kind to provide an overview of the current range of local representative arrangements and electoral systems in Asia and the Pacific.

This guide is the first of its kind to provide an overview of the current range of local representative arrangements and electoral systems in Asia and the Pacific.

Poster from the "Use Your Voice" Campaign

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May 21, 2008

Poster from the "Use Your Voice" Campaign

This poster was used in a national media campaign aimed at promoting women's participation in the electoral process in Lebanon.

This poster was used in a national media campaign aimed at promoting women's participation in the electoral process in Lebanon.

Poster for Women Voters in Morocco

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May 21, 2008

Poster for Women Voters in Morocco

This poster was used as a part of a media campaign targeted at women voters in the 2002 legislative elections in Morocco.

This poster was used as a part of a media campaign targeted at women voters in the 2002 legislative elections in Morocco.

When Women Win, the Country Wins Poster

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May 17, 2008

When Women Win, the Country Wins Poster

This poster was a part of media campaign held by women in the 2003 elections in Jordan. It says "When Women Win, the Country Wins".

This poster was a part of media campaign held by women in the 2003 elections in Jordan. It says "When Women Win, the Country Wins".

Women and 2008 Elections: Challenges and Opportunities for Strengthening Ghana's Democracy

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April 29, 2008

Women and 2008 Elections: Challenges and Opportunities for Strengthening Ghana's Democracy

This article highlights opportunities and challenges for a greater participation of Ghanaian women in this year’s historic election.

This article highlights opportunities and challenges for a greater participation of Ghanaian women in this year’s historic election.

Women’s Efforts vs. Politicians’ Power

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February 11, 2008

Women’s Efforts vs. Politicians’ Power

This article is about recent legislative efforts to introduce the 30 percent quota for women candidates in Mongolia and the struggle of mongolian women in adopting this legislation.

This article is about recent legislative efforts to introduce the 30 percent quota for women candidates in Mongolia and the struggle of mongolian women in adopting this legislation.

Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook

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December 8, 2007

Voting from Abroad: The International IDEA Handbook

This Handbook examines the concept of external voting, existing practices and the challenges that surround this issue. Includes examples of how external voting is implemented in certain countries.

This Handbook examines the concept of external voting, existing practices and the challenges that surround this issue. Includes examples of how external voting is implemented in certain countries.

Democracies in Development - Politics and Reform in Latin America

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December 1, 2007

Democracies in Development - Politics and Reform in Latin America

The advance of democracy in Latin America over the past quarter century has contributed significantly to ensuring respect for fundamental political freedoms, civil liberties, and human rights.

The advance of democracy in Latin America over the past quarter century has contributed significantly to ensuring respect for fundamental political freedoms, civil liberties, and human rights.