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Dear Colleagues,
As we look back over the past year, democracy has faced unprecedented challenges in every corner of the globe. From the invasion of Ukraine to the unprecedented mitigation of COVID-19, electoral norms and democratic practices have relentlessly been tested. Despite all this, the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), along with our partners around the world, remains dedicated to tirelessly building inclusive and resilient communities. These democratic bright spots are the result of individuals’ hard work on the ground who remain dedicated to strengthening institutions, promoting inclusion, and combatting autocracy.
In 2023, CEPPS will continue to identify locally-driven solutions which effectively confront the forces undermining just, democratic societies. Together, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the Democratic Elections and Political Processes (DEPP) Award, we will work shoulder to shoulder with our partners in more than one hundred countries to resolutely grow resilient, inclusive and accountable democratic bright spots around the world. As this year comes to a close, I’d like to thank everyone who continues to devote energy to this shared mission.
Yours in Democracy,
Jerry Lavery
Managing Director, The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening
In the last year, the world witnessed rising autocracies and repressive governments cracking down in new, sophisticated, and dangerous ways. With funding from USAID under the DEPP award, Democracy! The Podcast returns for a second season. Tune in to gain a stronger understanding of how CEPPS and our partners support democracies all over the world and hear directly from experts as they explain why this work is crucial and timely.
Listen to the trailer for season 2 now and subscribe to never miss an episode!
Under the DEPP award, CEPPS’s three core institutes the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), are joined by four Senior Technical Partners (STP) to meet the challenges facing democracy today. Learn more about the expertise each STP brings to CEPPS programming:
In Zambia, CEPPS has been working alongside local partners to encourage inclusive citizen participation and enhance the accountability and transparency of electoral processes.
CEPPS/NDI, together with the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), are helping the upcoming constitutional review and legislative reforms process. Local partner Chapter One Foundation has also joined the effort through its focus on strategic litigation, comparative legal analysis, legislative drafting training, mentorship, and legal research and report writing.
Through their work, CEPPS and ABA ROLI, hope to encourage constitutional and legislative reform that promotes justice, economic opportunity and human dignity by enhancing access to justice and promoting fundamental freedoms.
Additionally, CEPPS/IFES provides training, evaluations and technical assistance to the electoral commission, while CEPPS/NDI contributes to civil society organizations as they strive to build transparent and inclusive elections, and improve the country’s policy, regulatory, and legal reforms.
Earlier this year, Timor-Leste held its first elections since the COVID-19 pandemic began. With generous support from USAID under the DEPP Award, CEPPS implemented programs and worked directly with local partners to support voter education and outreach initiatives. These initiatives focused on engaging women, youth, rural communities, and other traditionally marginalized groups.
Data from the first round of the elections showed an uptick in voter participation among marginalized communities. Overall voter turnout across all municipalities was 6% greater than during the 2017 presidential elections. CEPPS partners contributed to the election’s success by ensuring effective participation through voter education.
Learn more about CEPPS programming in Timor-Leste.
This year, with support from USAID, CEPPS partners have engaged people in civic and voter education over 85 million times. These programs include outreach to elected officials, civil society organizations, political party representatives, citizens, and more.
