Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Le projet sur les Elections en Afrique (AEP) couvrira les élections législatives et présidentielles au Niger 2011


                                                                                                       Maison de la Presse

                                                                                                           Conseil d'Administration (terminus FACE AU LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DES TP)

BP: 10850, TEL: 20 72 69 17, AVENUE DE L'AFRIQUE, VILLA N° 220    EMAIL: maison.presse@yahoo.fr     

EMAIL: maison.presse@medianiger.info


Communiqué de presse

Niamey Niger, 29 Decembre 2010

Le projet sur les Elections en Afrique  (AEP)  couvrira les élections législatives et présidentielles au Niger 2011

Le projet sur les Elections en Afrique  (AEP) http://www.africanelections.org/niger  couvrira les élections législatives et présidentielles qui se tiendront le Lundi 31 Janvier 20011 pour élire le président de la république et les 113 membres du Parlement.  AEP a été mis en place en 2008 pour renforcer les journalistes à couvrir les élections  grâce aux Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication à travers le continent 

AEP a couvert avec succès les élections au Botswana, Namibie, Ghana, Guinée, Cote d'Ivoire, Mauritanie, Mozambique, Malawi, et au Togo. Les prochaines étapes du projet sont  la couverture des élections au Nigeria, Liberia, Uganda et  Cameroun.

 L'équipe d' AEP a lancé ce jour, le projet  AEP-Niger à Niamey au cours d'une session de formation qui a regroupé des  journalistes Nigériens.

Selon Kwami Ahiabenu, II, le Responsable de l'équipe d'AEP "Avec le Niger, le projet a couvert dix pays et notre vision est que le projet contribue à une meilleure couverture des élections au Niger, grâce au travail des journalistes professionnels, des organes de presse ainsi que celui des parties prenantes clés des élections  par la fourniture d'une information indépendante  et impartiale avec les TICs .

En plus du site web   http://www.africanelections.org/niger/, AEP couvre les élections avec d'autres nouveaux media comme facebook, blogs, frontline SMS et twitter  http://twitter.com/nigerelections.

Les personnes désireuses peuvent souscrire au service des info et résultats par SMS en envoyant un message au (00227) 97 16 30 37 au Niger ou à l'international au +447537401839

Le projet African Elections -Niger est coordonné par l'Institut International de TIC journalisme  (www.penplusbytes.org ) en collaboration avec la Maison de la Presse du Niger et d'autres partenaires clefs. Open Society Initiative for West Africa www.osiwa.org  est le principal et stratégique partenaire financier du projet au Niger.

 

Fait à Niamey le 29 décembre 2010

Boubacar DIALLO
PCA Maison de la presse
mobile +227 90444535 ou 96979622

 

 



--
International Institute for ICT Journalism
www.penplusbytes.org

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Cote d'Ivoire : Local and international media hit by battle between rival camps for control of news

Reporters Without Borders is extremely concerned about the consequences for journalists of the fight for control of state television and the media in general being waged by the supporters of Laurent Gbagbo and the ones of Alassane Ouattara.

"We are very worried about the situation in Côte d'Ivoire," Reporters Without Borders said. "The violent dispersal of yesterday's demonstration unfortunately caused casualties and we hope that any resumption of hostilities does not target journalists."

The press freedom organisation added: "We deplore the fact that the authorities are treating journalists as undesired witnesses and are trying to prevent them from covering what is going on. We also deplore the fact that they are reducing the news coverage available to Ivorians by banning the opposition media after already suspending international broadcast media."

Incidents during march on state TV headquarters

Many incidents involving the media took place during yesterday's march by Ouattara supporters on the Abidjan headquarters of the state-owned broadcaster Radio-Télévision Ivoirienne (RTI) in an attempt to install new managers appointed by Guillaume Soro, the prime minister of the government formed by Ouattara.

Securing forces loyal to Gbagbo threatened French TV crews covering the march. Members of the Security Operations Command Centre (CECOS) turned their Kalashnikovs on a France 2 crew, who were forced to lie on the ground while their equipment was taken. Live rounds were used to disperse a France 3 crew, who sustained no injuries or damage.

Alassane Kanaté, a freelance cameraman working for the French 24-hour satellite news channel France 24 was arrested at a military roadblock and taken to police headquarters in the Abidjan district of Plateau, where he was held overnight and mistreated. He was receiving treatment in an Abidjan hospital this morning. At least three journalists were arrested during the march.

Opposition press targeted

Members of the Republican Guard meanwhile raided the Sud Actions Médias and Olympe printing presses yesterday into order to prevent them from printing the independent daily L'Intelligent d'Abidjan and six opposition newspapers: Le Patriote, Le Nouveau Réveil, L'Expression, Nord-Sud, Le Mandat and Le Démocrate. Sud Actions Médias refused to print two pro-Gbagbo newspapers, Le Nouveau Courrier and Le Temps, in protest. The Republican Guard also ordered the distributor Presstalis not to distribute any opposition newspapers.

During a visit to RTI on 14 December, Gbagbo's new communication minister, Ouattara Gnonzié, issued a warning to media that are not supporting his government. "I am going to meet with the privately-owned media," he said. "They may be privately-owned, but they have a duty to respect our country's laws and constitution. Reporting alarming and false information, which depresses and discourages the public, is against the law. This must stop as soon as possible."

Members of Gbagbo's press office, his new minister of youth, labour and public health, Charles Blé Goudé, and Gen. Bruno Dogbo Blé, the head of the Republican Guard, are among the government officials who have banned opposition newspapers in an illegal manner.

http://en.rsf.org/cote-d-ivoire-local-and-international-media-hit-17-12-2010,39072.html
--
International Institute for ICT Journalism
www.penplusbytes.org

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

FINAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON COTE D'IVOIRE

EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON COTE D'IVOIRE     Abuja, 7 December 2010    FINAL COMMUNIQUE   1.	Following the unexpected turn of events after the second round of the  Presidential elections in Cote d'Ivoire, an Extraordinary Session of the  Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West  African States (ECOWAS) was held on 7 December 2010 in Abuja, Federal Republic  of Nigeria, under the Chairmanship of His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele  Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Chairman of the  ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.  2.	The following Heads of State and Government or their duly accredited  representatives were present at this Session:  •	H.E. Blaise COMPAORE, President of the Faso •	H.E. Prof. John Evans ATTA-MILLS, President of the Republic of Ghana •	H.E. Ellen JOHNSON-SIRLEAF, President of the Republic of Liberia •	H.E. Amadou Toumani TOURE, President of the Republic of Mali •	H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele JONATHAN, President of the Federal Republic of  Nigeria  •	H.E. Maître Abdoulaye WADE, President of the Republic of Senegal •	H.E. Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Togolese Republic •	H. E. Mr. Francisco Pereira da VEIGA	, Ambassador of Cape Verde in  Senegal representing the President of the Republic of Cape Verde   •	Mr. Goundé Désiré ADADJA, Honourable Minister of Communication and  Information Technology representing the President of the Republic of Benin  •	Hon. Lamin Kaba BAJO, Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and  National Assembly Matters representing the President of the Republic of the  Gambia  •	H.E. Mr. Henry O. MACAULEY, High Commissioner of the Republic of  Sierra Leone to Nigeria representing the President of the Republic of Sierra  Leone   3.	H.E. Young-Jin CHOI, Special Representative of the Secretary-General  of the United Nations in Cote d'Ivoire and Mr. Mahama Ouedraogo,  representative of the President of the African Union Commission also attended  this Session as Observers.  4.	During their deliberations, the Heads of State and Government reviewed  the political and security situation arising from the declaration of the  results of the second round of the Presidential elections in Cote d'Ivoire.  The Authority also was briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General of the United Nations in Cote d'Ivoire. 5.	After a thorough review of the situation, the Authority expressed deep  concern over the threats posed to the success of the peace process leading to  a lasting solution to the Ivorian crisis.   6.	Reaffirming their commitment to the relevant provisions and principles  of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, the Heads of State  and Government condemned in strong terms, the attempt to go against the will  of the Ivorian people as freely expressed on 28 November 2010.   7.	In order to protect the legitimacy of the electoral process, the  Summit endorsed the results declared by the Independent Electoral Commission  and certified by the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the  United Nations in Cote d'Ivoire in accordance with Resolution 1765 of the  United Nations Security Council, dated 16 July 2007. In this regard, the Heads  of State and Government recognized Mr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara as President- elect of Cote d'Ivoire, and consequently, representative of the freely  expressed voice of the Ivorian People.  8.	The Summit called on Mr. Laurent Gbagbo to abide by the results of the  second round of Presidential elections as certified by UNOCI, and to yield  power without delay, in the best interest of the Ivorian People.  9.	The Summit decided to apply the provisions of Article 45 of the ECOWAS  Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance relating to the imposition of  sanctions on Cote d'Ivoire, including the suspension from all ECOWAS decision- making bodies until further notice.   10.	The Authority expressed appreciation to the United Nations Operations  in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) for its key role in the conduct of the elections  under democratically acceptable conditions. In particular, the Authority  commended the efforts of the international community to ensure the rapid and  definitive resolution of the crisis.   11.	The Heads of State and Government launched an urgent appeal to all  Ivorians, political and administrative bodies at all levels of authority, to  respect the rights and integrity of Ivorians, nationals of the other ECOWAS  Member States, and of all foreigners within the territory of the Republic of  Cote d'Ivoire, and to guarantee their security.  12.	The Authority of Heads of State and Government commended His  Excellency Blaise Compaore, President of the Faso, and Facilitator of inter- Ivoirian dialogue, for his unremitting efforts and proactive diplomatic  contributions to the Ivorian peace process.    13.	The Heads of State and Government expressed their gratitude to His  Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of  Nigeria, for his leadership role and personal involvement in the entrenchment  of democracy and good governance in Cote d'Ivoire and in the West African  region as a whole.  14.	The Heads of State and Government expressed their sincere appreciation  to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the  generous hospitality accorded them in the finest African tradition, during  their stay in Abuja, and for the excellent facilities placed at their disposal  to ensure the success of this Extraordinary Summit.   Done at Abuja, this 7th day of December, 2010  THE AUTHORITY 

Security Council endorses opposition leader's victory in Ivorian polls

8 December 2010 – The Security Council today endorsed opposition leader Alassane Ouattara's victory in Côte d'Ivoire's presidential elections despite outgoing president Laurent Gbagbo's claim to have won, and warned of 'targeted measures' against anybody threatening the peace process in the divided country.

"In view of (regional body) ECOWAS' recognition of Mr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara as President-elect of Côte d'Ivoire and representative of the freely expressed voice of the Ivorian people as proclaimed by the Independent Electoral Commission, the members of the Security Council call on all stakeholders to respect the outcome of the election," the 15-member body said in a press statement, reiterating its support for the United Nations role in the country.

"The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest possible terms any effort to subvert the popular will of the people or undermine either the integrity of the electoral process or the free and fair elections in Côte d'Ivoire."

The statement followed a news conference earlier today in Abidjan, the country's commercial capital, at which Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative Y. J. Choi said there was absolutely no doubt Mr. Ouattara had won the election, which was a major step in the efforts to reunite the world's largest cocoa exporter after it was split by civil war in 2002 into a Government-controlled south and a rebel-held north.

But the poll generated a new crisis when the Constitutional Council threw out the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) proclamation of Mr. Ouattara as victor, citing irregularities in his northern base, and awarded the election to Mr. Gbagbo.

"The Ivorian people have chosen Mr. Alassane Ouattara with an irrefutable margin as the winner over Mr. Laurent Gbagbo," Mr. Choi stressed, underscoring the impartiality of the UN in certifying the results of the presidential run-off last month.

In its press statement, the Council, which was briefed in closed session by Mr. Choi yesterday, reiterated its readiness "to impose targeted measures against persons who attempt to threaten the peace process, obstruct the work of the UNOCI (the UN Mission in Côte d'Ivoire) and other international actors, or commit serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law."

It deplored the suspension of non-governmental media, recalled "the importance that all citizens of Côte d'Ivoire have full access to pluralistic and diverse information," and urged the authorities to immediately restore equitable access to State media.

Following a briefing from Mr. Choi yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria, an emergency summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) endorsed his certification of Mr. Ouattara and called on Mr. Gbagbo to yield power without delay.

Today Mr. Choi publicly rebutted Mr. Gbagbo's claims of irregularities point by point, noting that even if contested tally sheets were thrown out, it was still clear that Mr. Ouattara had won.

The complaints, used by the Constitutional Council, were based on two arguments: that the use of violence in nine departments in the north prevented people from voting, and that tally sheets there lacked the signature of the presidential camp's representatives.

On the first issue, Mr. Choi stressed that a voter participation as high as 81 per cent could not possibly mean that there was sufficient violence to prevent people from voting, while reports on violence collected by UNOCI shows there were fewer violent acts in the north than in the west.

On the second issue, he said he reviewed all tally sheets in the concerned departments and eliminated all those which lacked the signature of Mr. Gbagbo's representatives. "The upshot was that, even such an exercise did not alter in any significant way the outcome of the second round," he added. "On this basis, I remain absolutely certain that I have found the truth concerning the will of the Ivorian people as expressed on 28 November."

Mr. Choi said he used three methods "to arrive at the absolute conviction regarding the winner." First he deployed 721 UNOCI members throughout the country to find voting trends as early as possible. Secondly, he collected results from the 19 regional local electoral commissions, and these further confirmed the trends that it was almost certain who had won and who had lost.

Finally, UNOCI examined all 20,000 tally sheets to see if there was a trace of fraud or manipulation, especially if they had been signed. A certain number had to be discarded but these were not concentrated in some particular regions but were spread randomly.

Mr. Choi vouchsafed his and UNOCI's impartiality in the elections. "Impartiality is so central that, if one does not believe in my impartiality, it would not be possible to believe in the truth that I am going to tell," he said.

"I have been cited alternatively by the Government and the opposition camps as taking sides with the other party whenever UNOCI refused to side with it. I say with conviction that UNOCI has remained impartial. I present this as the evidence that I have succeeded in safeguarding my impartiality, the strength upon which I today lay the unequivocal result of the second round."

UNOCI, with a current strength of over 9,000 uniformed personnel, has been supporting reunification efforts, of which November's vote, and the first round held in October following five years of delays, was a principal step.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=36992&Cr=ivoire&Cr1=

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Carter Center congratulates Alassane Ouattara on his election as president of Cote d'Ivoire.

The Carter Center congratulates Alassane Ouattara on his election as president of Cote d'Ivoire.  The Center equally appreciates the efforts of Prime Minister Guillaume Soro to ensure the credibility of the entire electoral process.

The Center calls on all Ivoirian political leaders to respect the will of the Ivorian people as expressed through the election results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and certified by the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations.

As noted in the Center's Nov. 30 statement, Carter Center observers saw no evidence of systematic irregularities that would have a significant impact on the results. The Carter Center's overall assessment is that the conduct of the run-off election met international standards. The Center finds the Constitutional Council has misapplied the electoral law by choosing to annul partial results.

The Center welcomes the recent statements of support for the integrity of the electoral process from many of Cote d'Ivoire's international partners, including the African Union, Facilitator of the Ouagadougou Peace Accord President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, the European Union, and several other governments, including France, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

The Center is concerned about the extremely confusing political situation since the Constitutional Council's decision, and the numerous incidents of violence among party supporters and in some instances involving security forces. 

The Center echoes the appeal of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo to cooperate in a smooth political transition in Cote d'Ivoire.  All political actors must work together to restore stability and an enduring peace.

####

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.

 

Cote D'Ivoire : One Country, Two presidents

The long awaited Cote d'viore 28th November 2010  elections expected to end long years of political instability for the West African country rather shown deep seated divisions with ex- president Laurent Gbagbo and  his challenger Alassane Ouattara, claiming victory. Each was installed as president with both men taking steps to form a cabinet. Former South African President, Thabo Mbeki ,  appointed by African Union to mediate in this ongoing impasse met on  Sunday 11th December 2010 with both Mr. Gbagbo and Mr. Ouattara.

On 2nd December 2010, the head of the electoral commission pronounced Alassane Ouattara winner with 54% of the votes cast while Laurent Gbagbo received 46%. The country's constitutional council responsible for validating results overturn the results proclaimed by the electoral commission and declared Mr. Gbagbo winner. The situation in the country remains clam while international community is working hard to resolve this impasse.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

PROJECT TO WATCH OVER ELECTORAL PROMISES LAUNCHED

Before elections take place, some politicians make promises they obviously do not want to, or cannot keep after winning the mandate of the electorate. That is why the Ghana Post-Elections Intervention Project was launched in Accra yesterday. The Ghanaian project is part of the broader African Elections Project, established in 2008. The Ghanaian project aims to promote the culture of political accountability; it wants to support processes that lead to fulfillment of electoral promises. The project uses various sources to prove if elected officials act like promised during the electioneering campaigns.

The sources include president's sectional address, budget statements by the president and sector ministers as statements by the president and sector ministers as captured by the media, statements and publications by the World Bank and the IMF. Field officers also furnish the project with research work undertaken in the various government agencies. As a pilot, the project is using two geographic areas of Ghana –Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly – as the focus areas of study. The project is being undertaken by a coalition of civil society organisations, technology firms and academia partners, including Centre for Democratic Development, African University College of Communications, SMSGH, Edge Cube and Frontline SMS, with funding from Open Society for West Africa.

Kwami Ahiabenu II, President of Penplusbytes, said "This is a pioneering project in that it focuses on how the media can become more effective in holding elected officials accountable."

Also launched was a book entitled, "Because Accountability Counts: A Journalist Guide for Post-elections in Ghana". It provides an insight into how journalists can effectively cover post-election issues in Ghana.

The new Crusading Guide 2nd December 2010 Vol 2 No 180

POST -ELECTION INTERVENTION PROJECT LAUNCHED IN ACCRA

The international institute of Information  and Communication Technology, Penplusbytes yesterday  launched its Post –elections intervention  project , aimed  at overcoming  the challenges  and problems  which militate  against  citizens and the media's  ability to hold  elected public  officials  accountable  for promises they  make  during  elections  in the country.

The project is part of the broader African Elections Project, established  in the year 2008. It began  in March  this year  and it is  expected  to end in March 2011.

According  to Dr. Kwabena Riverson, the Chairman of the  Board of Directors  for Penplusbytes, the project  also  seeks  to provide  easy  and accessible  information  on political  promises and development plans  of elected  representative  to the  public , create  citizens  awareness on development  issues  and reduce  acrimonious  campaign  messages which  urging them  to focus on development issues .For this reason ,Penplusbytes mentioned  the Accra  Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and  the Tarkwa Nsuaem  Municipal  Assembly  as the two geographic  areas for  the pilot study  of  this project.

The project  activities  would  include developing  a media  guide  for  Journalists , organize  Face to Face fora , establishing  online  space for  debate  and Knowledge sharing , and live  reports  from  parliament, and many more.The selected assemblies, he added, would  enable  the project  to track  records  of  local government  and political  performance towards the development agenda  of the  nation.

Dr. Riverson  explained  that  the  project  uses various  sources of information, including  the President 's  Sessional address, Budget statements, Parliamentary  question time , statements  by the  developmental issues promised  by the media , to  track  the development issues  promised by  the elected officials  during  any  given  electioneering  campaign  period. Others  are statements and publications by the World Bank  and the International Monetary  Fund (IMF), while  gathering  other  information  from research  officers  on the field .

This  project is  being  undertaken  by a coalition  of Civil  Society Organization   like  the  Ghana Journalists Association , Centre for Democratic  Congress, the African University College of Communications , and sponsored by  the open Society Initiative  for West Africa (OSIWA)

A  book  on how Journalists  would  cover  post-elections  in the  country  was  also  unveiled. It is titled -Because Accountability Counts : A Journalist's guide to post-elections in Ghana.''

It has an overview of the country's post-elections periods, governance, legislative issues, political  parties  and  their manifestos, et al.

 

source : Chronicle Issue 233 December 2, 2010

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Post-elections intervention project launched

To download a copy of "Because Accountability Counts: A Journalist's Guide to Post Elections in Ghana" please click here 

Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - The authorities of Penplusbytes, (International Institute of ICT Journalism) in partnership with coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSO), has launched the Ghana Post Elections Intervention Project to hold elected officials accountable to their campaign promises. The project is to overcome the challenges and problems affecting citizens and the media's ability to hold elected representatives accountable for the promises made during elections.

It began in March 2010 and expected to end in March 2011. Its objective is to promote a culture of political accountability by strengthening processes that lead to fulfilment of electoral promises and the delivery of visible and impact-driven dividends of democracy. Members of the CSOs include Centre for Democratic Development, Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), Edge Cube, technology firms and academia.

Dr Kwabena Riverson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Penplusbytes, who launched the project in Accra on Wednesday, said "this is a pioneering project to focus on how the media can become more effective in holding elected officials accountable". He said it would be piloted in two geographical areas: Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly in the Western Region.

It will allow the tracking of local government political performance because both assemblies presented different sets of demands and placed complete and diverse challenges on the government both in its promises and attainment of national and local government development agenda. Dr Riverson said it would use various sources of information in tracking developmental issues as promised by elected officials during their campaigns: President's sessional address, budget statements and Parliamentary question time.

The rest include statements by the President and Sector Ministries as captured by the press, statements and publications by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund including field officers who would furnish the project with research work undertaken in the various government agencies. The Project is part of the broader African Elections Project, established in 2008 and co-ordinated by the International Institute of ICT Journalism (Penplusbytes) working with OSIWA as its main sponsor. Meanwhile, the group has launched a book titled "Because Accountability Counts: A Journalist's Guide to Post Elections in Ghana", which provides a unique insight into how journalists can effectively cover post elections issues in Ghana. 

Liberia : Int'l Confab To Mitigate Violence In Elections

The Center for International Policy and Innovation (CIPI) at Carnegie Mellon University, the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the National Elections Commission (NEC) will convene a three-day International Conference titled: 'Conference to Mitigate Violence in Liberia's 2011 Elections'. Running from Thursday, December 2 to Saturday the 4th, 2010 at the Palm Spring Resort in Congo Town outside Monrovia, this event is being generously supported by Humanity United. This important conference will feature participation from key Liberian leaders, Ministers and senior government officials, United Nations leaders, civil society representatives, political leaders, County Superintendents, international diplomats and scholars. 

The opening ceremonies will feature words of welcome from the conference organizers, including NEC Chairman James Fromayan; Dr. Jendayi Frazer, Director of the CIPI and former US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Dr. E. Gyimah-Boadi, Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development; and Dr. Randy Newcomb, President and CEO of Humanity United. 

The conference presenters will also be joined by Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Autonomous Commissions and Agencies, and Rep. Gabriel B. Smith, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Elections and Inaugurations, the Legislative leaders who oversee the conduct of elections through their respective committee chairmanships. 

After the opening formalities, the first conference session will cover the theme: "Building on the Success of the 2005 Electoral Process", in which Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai, UNMIL Amb. Ellen Margrethe Løj , and NEC Co-chair Cllr. Elizabeth J. Nelson will serve as panelists. 

Other sessions of the conference will focus on: "The Incidence and Character of Liberia's Election-Related Violence", "Mapping Conflict -Prone Regions" and "Tools and Techniques for Preventing Violence". Key presenters and panelists at these sessions include key Ministers of Government, County Superintendents, Dr. Pearl T. Robinson of Tufts University, UNMIL DSRSG Moustapha Soumaré, and Ambassador Akin Fayomi, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union, as well as representatives of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the Democratic Institute (NDI), and the West Africa Network for Peace Building. 

On Saturday, December 4, the organizers will convene a Civil Society Peer Learning Forum at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville City. The session will focus on the role of civil society in promoting free, fair and credible democratic elections. The CSOs Peer Learning Forum will be led by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). 


http://www.theinquirer.com.lr/story.php?record_id=3306&sub=14
--
International Institute for ICT Journalism
www.penplusbytes.org

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Because Accountability Counts - A Journalist guide for covering post-elections

Because Accountability Counts – A Journalist guide for covering post-elections in Ghana is one of the key building blocks for Ghana Post-elections Intervention Project whose main objective is to help overcome the challenges and problems affecting citizens' ability to hold elected representatives accountable for promises they make during pre-election campaigns. The guide's main objective is to empower journalists and other stakeholders
with an information and knowledge resource for playing the watch and guide dog role in holding elected officers accountable. It provides an overview of post-elections landscape of Ghana, covering governance, legislative issues, political parties and their manifestoes,ruling party, opposition and governing after an election and provides guides for covering:
1. Parliament, Political Parties, Ruling Government (mapping campaign promises
& manifesto), Opposition and Key Governance Issues
2. Investigative journalism and post-elections coverage
3. ICTs and Covering Post-Elections
4. Covering Budget and Extractive Industries and
5. Lessons to be learned from the post 2007 election crisis in Kenya

Download a copy of the the guide here

Monday, November 29, 2010

Eight Candidates to Contest Uganda 2011 Elections

According to The Electoral Comission of Uganda, eight presidential candidates are contesting Uganda 2011 Presidential Elections namely
  1. Mr Yoweri K Museveni,
    National Resistance Movement [NRM]
  2. Mr Jaberi Bidandi Ssali,
    People's Progressive Party [PPP]
  3. Dr Kizza Besigye,
    Forum for Democratic Change [FDC]
  4. Ms Beti Olive Kamya,
    Uganda Federal Alliance [UFA]
  5. Mr Norbert Mao,
    Democratic Party [DP]
  6. Dr Abed Bwanika,
    People's Development Party [PDP]
  7. Mr Olara Otunnu ,
    Uganda People's Congress [UPC]
  8. Mr Samuel Lubega,
    Independent
http://www.ec.or.ug/


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Namibia : Briefing on African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

The IPPR in collaboration with Forum for the Future, Namibia Institute for Democracy, and the Institute for Democracy in Africa are organising a one-day briefing workshop on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The Charter was approved by the AU several years ago but so far has not been ratified by many countries (Namibia has yet to ratify it).
The day workshop features various speakers including Ambassador Kaire Mbuende, former parliamentarian Tsudao Gurirab, and Jean Scrimgeour of the Institute for Democracy in Africa.
The venue is the Polytechnic Hotel School, Windhoek West.
To register please send an email to info@ippr.org.na including your name and any organization you represent.
 
 the date and time of the workshop is Tuesday November 30 from 9h00 to 16h00.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Carter Center Urges End to Negative Campaign Rhetoric

The Carter Center urges Cote d'Ivoire's presidential candidates to refrain from the use of negative campaign rhetoric, including personal attacks made in a threatening tone, and reminds candidates and their supporters of the code of conduct and other rules governing electoral behavior. The Center hopes that the two presidential candidates and their representatives will use the opportunity to participate in debates broadcast on Ivoirian Radio and Television (RTI) to share their political programs for Cote d'Ivoire.

 "I hope that both presidential candidates will encourage their supporters to respect the right of all Ivoirians to choose their leader without fear of intimidation or reprisal," said Carter Center delegation co-leader and former Ghana President John Kufuor.  "Africa and the rest of the world are watching with hope that this electoral process will be conducted for the benefit of its entire people and that Cote d'Ivoire will be restored to a path of peace and socio-economic prosperity."

 The Carter Center notes that press commentary often repeat rumors and reinforces polarizing viewpoints.  The Center supports the efforts of the National Press Council to restore more professional journalism.

 The Center also is concerned about increasing reports from its long-term observers that tensions are rising in several parts of the country as the campaigns heat up.  The security environment in Cote d'Ivoire still requires a commitment from all political actors, security forces, and citizens to participate in the election in the spirit of national reconciliation and respect for diversity.

 The Carter Center will deploy a delegation of 50 observers to the Nov. 30 presidential election run-off between current President Laurent Gbagbo and former Prime Minister Alassane Outtara.

 The Center has observed the election process in Cote d'Ivoire since 2008, and deployed observers on three occasions during voter registration and public inspection of the provisional voter list.  In October, the Center deployed a 40-person delegation, including long-term and short-term observers, led by former Ghana President John Kufuor and Dr. John Stremlau, vice president for the peace programs at The Carter Center.

 The Carter Center will release a public statement shortly after election day to share preliminary observations.  The Center's observation mission is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.

 

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A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Ugandan Journalists Get Election Coverage Guidelines

Ahead of Uganda's February 2011 general elections, the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) has launched a set of elections reporting guidelines that were developed in consultation with local media houses and journalists' associations.
visit http://www.acme-ug.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=19&Itemid=  to download copy of the guide

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Burkina Faso : Voters Heads for the Polls on Sunday 21st November

Voting is underway in  Burkina Faso Presidential Elections 2010, with the rulling president Blaise Compaore, who is one of African's longest serving leader with 23 years rule under this belt. Provisional results are expected by 25th November 2010 

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Carter Center Urges Calm, Restraint in Guinea

The Carter Center appeals to Guinea's political party leaders to allow the Supreme Court to resolve any disputes over election results and to reiterate their appeals for calm. At the same time, the Center welcomes pledges made by both candidates to constitute a government of national unity as a gesture of reconciliation regardless of who is declared winner by the Supreme Court.

The Center is deeply concerned about acts of violence, persecution, and vandalism that occurred prior to the elections and in many areas of Guinea since the announcement of provisional election results on Nov. 15. The Center unequivocally condemns such acts and calls on the government to prosecute the perpetrators to the full extent of the law.

While it is appropriate that State and security forces assume their responsibilities, it is essential that they avoid excessive use of force.

The Center endorses the role of the International Contact Group in encouraging restraint and reconciliation and reminding leaders of both parties that they will be held accountable for any violence by their supporters.

Observers, both domestic and international, found that the run-off election was transparent and credible, despite some weaknesses. The electoral process should be permitted to continue free from interference.

The people of Guinea must not allow isolated acts of violence and unsubstantiated rumors to undermine the progress made this year in bringing more accountable government to their country. Guinea can be justly proud of the historic national achievement of the elections and the transition to civilian rule so far – this is a critical juncture to ensure that the steps that have been made are not undone.

At this moment of great promise, the party leaders must show exceptional leadership in uniting the nation and ensuring a smooth transition to a more democratic future. 

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The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, the Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers to increase crop production.  Please visit www.cartercenter.org to learn more about The Carter Center.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Guinee Second tour Présidentielle 2010 - Résultats provisoires

 RESULTATS PROVISOIRES DU SECOND TOUR DE L'ELECTION PRESIDENTIELLE DU 7 NOVEMBRE 2010

Alpha CONDE (RPG)1,474,973 (52.52%)

Cellou Dalein DIALLO  (UFDG) 1,333,666 (47.48%)

http://www.presidentielle2010.ceniguinee.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=41

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Monitoring Guinea's Election from Laptops in New York

In the West African nation of Guinea, officials are still counting ballots in a very close run-off election for President. This vote could transform Guinea into a democracy after decades of dictatorial rule. And here in New York, a group of international volunteers called Alliance Guinea has found an unusual way to support the country's transition. They have asked Guineans to use their cell phones to send a text if they experience an election-related problem. And they are mapping the results at GV10Witness.org.

It's the Guinean equivalent of, "If you see something, say something." But there, the official language is French. So the public information campaign in Guinea was this: Je vois et j'envois. I see and I send. 

"Je vois, if I see something, j'envois a text, an smsm, to the sytem," said Jennifer Swift-Morgan while taking a break from her day job raising money for Columbia University's Earth Institute.

Anyone in Guinea observing voting problems -- or successes -- can send a text that goes to the Alliance's Web site. Then the Alliance's members use a crowdsourcing program called Ushahidi to sort through and map the responses on a public Web site. Ushahidi was created in the violent aftermath of Kenya's 2007 election to track incidences of violence on a Google map.

Guinean graduate student Al-Houssaine Bah helped start Guinea's election monitoring project here in New York. On a recent visit to Swift-Morgan's office to talk about how the effort is going, he explained, "When you live outside the country, it's easier for you to fight." Bah said when he left Guinea in 2006, this project would not have been possible, and not just because of an oppressive government. Guinea is rich in minerals, such as bauxite and iron. But most of the people are poor. "It was very difficult to have cell phones in Guinea," Bah said. 

In 2010, people are still poor, but Bah said more have cell phones than don't. And the five service providers in Guinea even agreed to promote the vote-monitoring project: they sent texts to all customers encouraging them to participate.

Alliance Guinea got a $13,000 dollar grant from the U.S. State Department through the Embassy in Guinea, but that went mostly to technology, billboards and banners, and radio and television spots. The people running the Alliance are all volunteers. When Swift-Morgan took a break from work and stepped into a conference room with her laptop, she found other volunteers already logged in, on computers in France, Albuquerque and Philadelphia.

The voting was Sunday and international monitors have said it went relatively smoothly, but Swift-Morgan says she's still getting some allegations of fraud. Reading from a text message about allegations of ballot-stuffing, she said in one village someone claimed you could buy a blank ballot, fill it out, and put it into the ballot box ahead of time.

The Guinean Alliance was born a year ago, after a pro-democracy rally in Guinea resulted in a government massacre of more than 150 people. A 2009 Human Rights Watch report said security forces opened fire on tens of thousands of opposition supporters at a stadium in the capital and sexually assaulted dozens of women.

Al-Houssaine Bah was here in New York, and planning a protest at the UN the same day, September 28.

"At 8 in the morning, I'm leaving my house," he recalled. "They called me, they said, oh, they killed many people in Guinea."

Swift-Morgan says the next day everyone was calling each other.  "We just said, we've got to do something," she said. Swift-Morgan was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea ten years ago and continues to do research there. With Bah, she and other Guineans and non-Guineans started the Alliance to support the fight for democracy in Guinea. Their aim: to help ensure a free and fair election. "That's why the people died," Swift-Morgan said. "They sacrificed themselves so there would be democracy in Guinea." 

Guinea's elections this year have been plagued by violent conflict. The two main candidates are from different ethnic groups, and the campaigns have played up their differences. So suspicion between the groups is common. 

Between the general election in May and the run-off on Sunday, Guineans have texted more than 20,000 messages to the Guinean Alliance's Web site. Some accuse their opponents of fraud. But many of the messages have been positive. Another core Alliance member, Raul Rothblatt, says he wishes those had gotten more attention.

"I mean it's not exciting to talk about, 'oh nothing really happened here,'" he said after a check in with Swift-Morgan. "People are feeling kinda good," he said, "that's not very newsworthy."

Some of the texts cannot be mapped.  They may be love-letters to the Project's Guinean spokesperson, Ms. Guinea. Some are expressions of gratitude for being able to vote, or plugs for one candidate or another. It is the job of about 30 dedicated volunteers around the world to sort through the messages and map the 5 percent or so that actually identify a specific observation in a specific place. On election day, Rothblatt says, Alliance Guinea volunteers were able to tell their team members in Guinea's capital, Conakry, about specific problems and get them fixed.

In one district there weren't enough ballots, someone texted. The team in Conakry verified, and Guinea's electoral commission delivered more. In other areas, Swift-Morgan says, there were reports of tampering -- again verified and corrected by an electoral commission delegate. 

Swift-Morgan uses Skype to call her project coordinator in Conakry and try, on a fuzzy line, to arrange a steering committee conference call to plan their next move. With votes still uncounted in Guinea and the race very close, the Guinean Alliance is figuring out how to address the next challenge: what happens when the results are announced. 

"Either way, the losing side is going to react," Swift-Morgan said. "So that's what we're bracing for. We're hoping for the best, and we're bracing for the worst." The worst would be outbreaks of violence, and Swift-Morgan said she wants to make sure the site is able to carefully monitor any conflict, via text messages from Guinea's citizens.

Swift-Morgan and her team have decided to ask the country's cell phone companies to send out another mass text message, this one asking cell phone users to text if they see any instances of violence after results are announced. Al Houssaine Bah has been hoping the Alliance's civilian vote-monitoring project will ultimately help Guineans accept the election's outcome. "The best way is to show them here if you lose it's because people don't vote for you," he said. "If you win, it's that you have the majority of the population who voted for you."

Members of the Alliance Guinea say they can always use more help from anyone with an interest in promoting democracy, a computer and a little French. And they say, strangely enough, it often helps that many of their members are not from Guinea themselves. Bah said Guineans resist the idea that any of their countrymen, coming from one or another of the rivaling ethnic groups, can be politically neutral. But when Swift-Morgan reaches out to Guineans, she said, they are not so skeptical. "They don't question our motives," she said. "They know that we're not trying to get a job. We're doing it because we believe in it and want to provide this service."

Alliance Guinea is dreaming up ways to use crowd-sourcing technology in the future, maybe to monitor the delivery of public services as Guinea's democracy gets started. Or maybe the group can help track corruption, though Swift-Morgan predicted that would be tricky. Their plan, she said, is to ask the Guinean people: 'This is a tool. How would you like to use it?'

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/nov/11/monitoring-guineas-election-from-laptops-in-new-york/

 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kenya Elections : MPs rule out August 2012 poll date

But, even as they ruled out the August poll date, they were not clear on when the next polls will be held, with some of them saying December 2012 while the others insisted it will have to be "sometime in March 2013".

The MPs cited Clause 10 of the Sixth Schedule of the new Constitution to back their position, saying the term for the current Parliament had been "saved".

The clause reads: "The National Assembly existing immediately before the effective date shall continue as the National Assembly for the purposes of this Constitution for its unexpired term."

"That unexpired term cannot have any other meaning," Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo told the Nation at the sidelines of a meeting at the Kenya Institute of Administration Tuesday.

The minister said that as long as the coalition government continued to operate, then Parliament's mandate will hold until the next elections in December, and the August poll date will only apply to the next Parliament.

"We can have the elections in December," said Mr Kilonzo. He said the old Constitution still applied and that's why they have to be in office until December 2012.

Mr Abdikadir Mohammed, the chairman of Parliament's Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, said it "wouldn't make sense" to have the elections in August 2012, because that will "shorten" the implementation period.

Mr Mohammed told the Nation that if the August 2012 poll-date was to apply, then Parliament will have to dissolve itself in May to give room –the mandatory 60 days—within which the electoral commission has to prepare and conduct elections.

However, like the Justice minister, Mr Mohammed too cited the "unexpired term" tag in the transition and consequential clauses of the Constitution to say that the election date has to be in December 2012.

"The date for the next elections," Mr Mohammed said, "has to be exactly five years from the date of the last election, and that is December 2012".

He said the heavy schedule in setting up institutions, laws and infrastructure for the new dispensation, needed time, and that's why the 10th Parliament – the current one — will not dissolve itself in May 2012.

"We have so much on our plate, especially the work to do with counties and devolution. It is a lot and we need time," said Mr Mohammed.
While the powers of the current Parliament are extended until the next elections, the President's powers to dissolve Parliament –the very powers that he held in the old Constitution—are not in the new Constitution.

Mr Ababu Namwamba, the chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, also ruled out the August poll date, but then explained the "unexpired term" to mean that the MPs have to be in Parliament until January 15, 2013 –that's the day they were sworn in.
Mr Namwamba's interpretation means that the next elections will come up on or before March 2013, taking into account the 60-day time limit for the electoral body to organize the poll.

However, the Justice Minister was categorical: "Those saying August 2012 and those saying March 2013 are all wrong. The polls have to come in December. I showed them this Clause (10 of the Sixth Schedule) and I think they agreed with me that December is the date. We can't have them (the polls) in 2013. That will be more than five years."

The two-day retreat ended with MPs agreed that their term will last until December 2012. They also agreed that all public officers will have to be vetted, regardless of whether they were elected by professional bodies or nominated by the President and the Prime Minister.

"We'll vet everyone, whether they are elected by a few hundred professionals or nominated by the President. Because in any case, the President draws his mandate from the votes of close to four million Kenyans. So really, there shouldn't be a difference in the way we treat the nominees," Mr Namwamba told the Nation.

The House team pledged to stick to the Constitutional deadlines and put in place laws to quickly roll out the new Constitution.
Mr Mohammed, the chair of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, said that MPs will agree based on the need --whether to take their December recess and come back early (before March) from the recess.

The retreat ended with MPs promising to uphold the spirit of the Constitution --that of upholding transparency in all Public appointments.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAYS ON:

 

credit : http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/MPs rule out August 2012 poll date/-/1064/1050014/-/u522gdz/-/

Friday, November 5, 2010

Cote d'Ivoire RESULTATS PROVISOIRES DE LA PRESIDENTIELLE

La Commission Electorale Indépendante a examiné les résultats recueillis dans les 20 073 bureaux  de vote. Après délibération, elle a validé les résultats globaux suivants :

·       Nombre de bureaux de vote : 19 945

·       Nombre inscrits : 5 725 720

·       Nombre de participants : 4 837 579

·       Nombre de suffrages nuls : 221 655

 

Nombre de suffrages obtenus par les candidats :

 

1.    Akoto Yao Felix: 4767 (0, 10%)

2.       Anaki Kobena Innocent Augustin: 10661 (0, 23%)  (MFA)

3.       Bedié Konan Henri Aimé: 1 165 219 (25, 24%) (PDCI)

4.    Dolo Adama: 5 967 (0, 13%)

5.    Enoh Aka: 5 311 (0, 12%)

6.        Gbagbo Laurent: 1 755 495 (38, 3%)  (FPI)

7.        Gnamien Konan: 1 7151 (0, 37%)  (UPCI)

8.     Konan Kouadio Simeon: 12 355 (0,27%)

9.    Lohouès Jacqueline épouse Oble: 12 333 (0,27%)

10.    Mabri Toikeusse Albert : 118 664 (2.57%)  (UDPCI)

11.    Ouattara Alassane : 1 480 610 (32,08%) (RDR)

12.            Tagoua Pascal : 11 672 (0,25%)

13.            Tohou Henri 2 422 (0,05%)

14.    Wodié Romain Francis : 13 397 (0,29%)  (PIT)

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Cote d'Ivoire Presidential Election Marks Historic Milestone in Peace Process

 The Oct. 31 presidential election in Cote d'Ivoire was conducted in a calm environment with a high-level of voter participation. These elections marked a crucial step in Cote d'Ivoire's peace process and gave voters the opportunity to elect their next president in the country's first truly open contest.  The Ivoirian people have exercised their right to vote; they also have the right to have their vote accurately recorded and ultimately respected by all candidates.

 

The election process was initially marked by a number of planning and operational challenges for the Independent Election Commission (IEC), most notably as they related to the timely distribution of voter cards, the delivery of essential election materials throughout the country, poll worker training, and the effective distribution of voter information regarding election day procedures.

 

The international community has strongly supported the Ivoirian electoral process with a range of deep investments in the provision of security, as well as diplomatic, financial, logistical, and technical assistance.  Presidential candidates and their supporters, the IEC, and Ivoirian civil society organizations cooperated at many levels in the face of a long-standing political crisis in the effort to ensure a credible, transparent, and peaceful election process.

 

As the counting process and proclamation of results are awaited, The Carter Center urges all candidates to adhere to their commitment to a peaceful transition of power, including utilizing appropriate legal challenges for the filing of complaints as necessary. The IEC and the Constitutional Council must recall their commitment to ensuring transparency throughout the process of proclamation and dispute resolution.  In the meantime, all presidential candidates and their supporters must exercise patience and respect for the credible election results.

 

Key Carter Center recommendations include:


·      In the event of a runoff election, IEC provision of a clear and detailed electoral calendar to ensure transparency in all steps of election administration;

·      Sustained commitment to the Code of Conduct by presidential candidates and their supporters;

·      Continued presence and non-interference of security forces to support a peaceful election environment;

·      Retention of good poll workers and strengthened  training;

·      IEC cooperation with political parties and civil society organizations to provide more visible voter education materials; and

·      Timely distribution of accreditation for domestic and international election observers.

The Carter Center will continue to observe the completion of the tabulation and official results process as well as any electoral disputes that may arise.  Should there be a second round of elections, the Center urges the final contestants to remain committed to a peaceful and inclusive process, including through debate of their differences in an open forum accessible to all Ivoirians.