Institutions of Democracy- 1994- Australian Electoral Commission
In recent decades, national electoral bodies, originally established to manage domestic elections, have increasingly taken on roles in supporting democratic processes abroad. Recognizing the critical role of transparent, well-managed elections in fostering peace and stability, these organizations now frequently provide technical assistance, electoral observation, and capacity-building programs. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is a leading example of this shift, evolving from a domestic agency into a trusted global partner in electoral assistance.
In this recording, Michael Maley, the founding Director of the AEC’s Research and International Services Section, recounts the journey of the AEC's involvement in international work. Michael was involved in the AEC’s first major international work during the 1989 Namibian elections, whose success inspired greater AEC engagement in global electoral work, including Cambodia (1991–1993), South Africa (1994), and East Timor (1999). Since then, the AEC has also spearheaded electoral capacity-building efforts in partnership with various countries and international organizations, including the renowned BRIDGE Project. The AEC’s international role, formalized through an amendment to the Electoral Act, is now a core function of the organization, underscoring the significant contributions national electoral bodies can make to global democracy-building.
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