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ALL EYES ON 2023's GLOBAL ELECTIONS

More than 49 countries plan to hold elections in 2023. Each of those elections, whether they’re local or national, will determine their country’s democratic well-being. In many of these countries, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is working with local partners to ensure the integrity of elections and equal access for people. 

Here are four elections to watch this year: 

NIGERIA GENERAL ELECTIONS

Nigerian voters will elect a new president and national assembly, as well as some governors and state legislatures in February. More than 100 million citizens are eligible to vote, but voter confidence and public confidence in democracy remain low. 

Nigeria is home to Africa’s largest population, democracy, and economy. At a December event co-hosted by IFES at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Nigerian President Buhari vowed a credible election amid democratic setbacks in the West Africa region. 

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

- Czechia Presidential Election
Jan. 13, 2023

- Ecuador Referendum
Feb. 5, 2023

- Nigeria General Elections
Feb. 25, 2023

 - Guatemala General Elections
Jun. 25, 2023

- Pakistan National Assembly
July 31, 2023

- Ukraine Supreme Council
Oct. 29, 2023

- Democratic Republic of the Congo General Elections
Dec. 20, 2023

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO GENERAL ELECTIONS

In December, voters will cast their ballots for a new president, the national assembly, members of provincial assemblies, and under the new constitution, members of municipal councils. Almost 50 million people are expected to register to vote over the next three months, according to Reuters. 

The election comes amid increasing violence by the M23 rebel group. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) expects challenges like the logistics of transporting ballot materials and civil unrest. 

GUATEMALA GENERAL ELECTION

Guatemalan voters will elect the president, the vice president, Congress, the Central American Parliament, mayors, and councils in June. The election will determine the direction of this country as it continues to find itself hindered by corruption and organized crime. 

PAKISTAN LOCAL & NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 

Although voters will elect local government officials in April, elections for Pakistan’s new National
Assembly—which determines the prime minister—will not be held until at least August, with a date not yet set.  

This will be the fourth general election in 13 years, a positive sign that Pakistan is providing continuity to political and electoral processes. However, the election could be tumultuous amid political and economic hostilities.  

Check out IFES' Election Guide for the latest election information.

IFES Presence in Countries with 2023 Elections world maps highlighted (Guatemala, Belarus, Ukraine, Czechia, Nigeria, DRC, Pakistan, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Timor-Leste)

COUNTRY RESOURCES

IFES Nigeria

IFES Guatemala

IFES Democratic Republic of Congo

IFES Pakistan

 

 

WHAT DOES 2022 TELL US ABOUT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE? 

“Violence against women is a global phenomenon. Elections and politics are fundamentally about competition. Both lead to violence against women in politics, and that must change.” 

Regina Waugh, IFES senior global gender advisor, reflects on the 2022 elections in Brazil, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, and the United States to call on the global community to redouble their efforts against gender-based violence in politics. Read her piece published in the Fair Observer

Give it a listen: Waugh discussed the violence and other challenges women face in politics on former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s podcast in December during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

IFES will be participating in the Summit for Democracy Election Integrity Cohort’s second international conference in New Delhi, India, later this month. Learn more about our work on securing and appropriating uses of technology to increase the integrity of elections—the theme of the event—including the Tech4Democracy

 

The Voice is a monthly newsletter from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems that keeps you informed about elections worldwide and how IFES is advancing democracy for a better future. Get this newsletter sent directly to your inbox by subscribing here

To stay up to date with the latest news and blog posts from IFES, visit ifes.org. To keep track of upcoming elections, visit IFES’ electionguide.org

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