2012-02-17
IDEA Secretary-General warmly welcomes the entry into force of the 'African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance'
The ratification and entry into force on 15 February 2012 of the 'African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance' is a significant step in entrenching the African Union's commitment to democracy and for the citizens of Africa in their efforts to build and deepen their democracy.
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News
2012-02-02
IDEA Secretary-General in Myanmar; meets with parliament and Aung San Suu Kyi
The International IDEA Secretary-General, Vidar Helgesen, is visiting Myanmar, 30 January – 2 February 2012, to explore how International IDEA can support the democratic transition process underway in the country.
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2012-01-25
Egypt: Now is when it really starts
Today, we congratulate the Egyptian people on the first anniversary of their revolution. A year after they defied convention and displayed confidence in the incredible power of the citizen, putting an end to decades of autocratic rule, much has happened and much remains to be done.
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News
2012-01-16
Vidar Helgesen speaks at the UN high-level meeting on reform and transitions to democracy
On 15-16 January 2012, International IDEA's Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen participated in the "High-level Meeting on Reform and Transition to Democracy" in Beirut, Lebanon.
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2012-01-12
Tunisia: setting an example
A year ago Tunisia set an example for the Arab World – and the world beyond – in demonstrating that no autocracy is ultimately immune to the popular demand for democracy. A year on Tunisia is still an example-setter.
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News
2011-12-21
Back where it all started: IDEA Secretary-General visits Tunisia one year on
International IDEA’s Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen visited Tunisia on 19-21 December, exactly one year after the unrest which marked the end of autocratic rule in the country and which quickly spread throughout the Arab region.
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2011-11-28
Today; elections in Egypt
Today is a particularly significant day for Egypt with polling due to begin. Viewed by many as a regional leader, Egypt has strived for a new beginning. As the protests in the recent week have told us, however, Egyptians are frustrated with the pace and direction of change.
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2011-11-18
International IDEA welcomes political comeback by Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma
International IDEA welcomes today’s decision by the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Burma to register as a political party and its intention to contest the upcoming bye-elections in the country. International IDEA Secretary-General
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2011-10-21
First post-Arab Spring elections in Tunisia should pave the way for inclusive political process
The symbolism of the first post-Arab Spring elections cannot be overstated and their peaceful conduct should provide a candle of hope for citizens in the region who are still struggling to make their voices heard. Read more
News
2011-10-12
OAS and AU: Continued efforts to defend democracy and human rights
"I want to congratulate the AU and the OAS on having organized this event. It provides a unique opportunity, not only to examine the challenges to democracy in Africa and Americas, but to jointly explore how the AU and OAS can collaborate in addressing these challenges," said Helgesen in his speech at the Second AU- OAS Forum on Democracy and Human Rights in Africa and the Americas today. Read more
