International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Steven Gray, Country Director IFES Zimbabwe

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform To improve on what is wrong, corrupt or unsatisfactory Important to have a continuous process of reform

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Personal mission Informed by Reform Judiasm Concept of Tikkun Olam – to repair the World

Pillars of Electoral Reform Choice of the electoral system Political will Good policy – need to apply the principles of accountability and transparency

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Rule of law is critical Response to electoral abuse cannot be weak Capacity to engage in continuous risk analysis Early warning systems

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform An autonomous, professional election commission Partisan election commissions encourage failure Assessments of the EMB through public hearings A non-partisan public work ethic A culture of independent public service

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Good observation by CSOs help EMBs do better Can’t just be on Election Day Needs to observe the whole electoral cycle

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Removing barriers to political participation Women, youth, minorities, those with disabilities Rules for parity/quotas can help A comprehensive voter register is key

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Control over campaign finances Public financing is ideal At a minimum, a strong public accounting system Clear limits and enforceable sanctions

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Resources are maybe the most important Elections are expensive Has to be a governmental priority Donors play a key role, but need coordination

International Perspectives on Electoral Reform Bureaucracies need to become active learning organizations Trainings not briefings Post-election reflection Really understanding the electoral cycle and why it is a cycle

Thank you!