Peace Programs

The Carter Center Democracy Program 

(See the list of elections observed by The Carter Center.)

Read Democracy Program and election reports.

The Democracy Program works to build democratic institutions and inclusive societies worldwide, helping people have a meaningful voice in how they are governed. Program activities focus on two main areas:

The program's main goals are to build politically capable states that respect international human rights obligations and to foster inclusive democratic societies, with governments and citizens that fulfill responsibilities and enjoy rights. In all of its work, the program incorporates a commitment to the protection and advancement of broad-based human rights values. The involvement of other Carter Center programs creates the comprehensive, long-term strategic approach needed to help nations build peaceful, just, and economically viable societies.

Observing Elections

To be effective, election-monitoring missions should begin long before election day, be invited  by a country's national authorities and be welcomed by the major political parties. Carter Center observers analyze election laws, assess voter education and registration processes, and evaluate fairness in campaigns. The presence of impartial election observers deters interference or fraud in the voting process, and reassures voters that they can safely and secretly cast their ballots and that vote tabulation will be conducted without tampering. 

Nepal

Invited by key stakeholders to observe the constituent assembly elections, The Carter Center established an office in Kathmandu in January 2007 and shortly thereafter deployed 13 long-term observers to various development regions around the country.  The Center deployed a larger, short-term delegation of 62 observers from more than 20 countries to observe the April 10, 2008 constituent assembly elections.  Constituent assembly members are charged with writing a new constitution for the country.  Read More….

Developing Standards for Democratic Elections

The Center played a key role — with the U. N. Electoral Assistance Division and the National Democratic Institute — in building consensus on a common set of international principles for election observation. The principles provide important guidelines for best practices for the growing field of election observation, thereby helping to protect the integrity of democratic elections and advancing democratic transitions.

(See the list of elections observed by The Carter Center.)

(Read more about the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.)


Read the declaration's full text (all PDF):

• English
• Spanish
• Russian
• French
• Chinese
• Arabic
• Portuguese

Read a Q&A on the Declaration of Principles and Code of Conduct with Democracy Program Director David Carroll

Strengthening Democracy

The Center works to strengthen democracy by promoting the rule of law and expanding the role that citizens and nongovernmental civic organizations play in political processes.
The rule of law in democratic societies depends upon a legal system that administers justice fairly, provides access to justice for all citizens, and guarantees constitutional protections for people's individual rights. Many countries in transition from authoritarian rule are plagued by corrupt or inefficient judicial systems. Toward that end, the program implements projects in targeted countries to build equitable access to justice, promote judicial reform, and enhance the expertise of lawyers, judges, and court personnel.
 
A politically active civil society is critical to strong democratic institutions. In many emerging democracies, civic organizations lack full working knowledge of democratic principles and human rights standards. The program works in targeted countries to strengthen the capacity of marginal and vulnerable populations — including women, youth, indigenous peoples, and refugees — to participate in political processes. The program also facilitates dialogue and reconciliation among competing national groups, trains media in the responsibilities of a free press, and provides tools to improve the effectiveness of human rights advocates.

Palestinian Territories

The Carter Center observed Palestinian elections in 1996, 2005, and 2006. The Center maintains a small presence in Ramallah focused on the ongoing monitoring and analysis of critical issues on democratic development.  Public reports on these issues help to provide the U.S. public and the international community with current and factual information on the continued obstacles to peace. Read More….

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Ethiopia Civil Society/Dialogue

The Center is currently supporting the efforts of civic leaders in Ethiopia to convene discussions about the most pressing and contentious political and social issues facing the country.  The group has set an ambitious agenda of modeling constructive dialogue on issues such as media policy, ethnicity, and the future of the country's economic development. Read More...

Disseminating Models, Lessons, and Best Practices for Democratic Governance
The Carter Center seeks to promote the dissemination of models, lessons, and best practices for democratic governance and to make such information available to emerging democracies and regional organizations around the world. The goal is to empower those in transitioning countries who are trying to build stronger democratic institutions and practices.