Read the latest news below about the Center's work in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Representatives from The Carter Center have arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, following the formal agreement on electoral conditions by the government of Venezuela and the opposition’s Unitary Platform in Barbados on October 17. Learn more »
The Carter Center applauds the release of 222 political prisoners by the government of Nicaragua and commends the U.S. government for providing humanitarian parole in the United States. We join the prisoners’ families in celebrating their release and note that restoring democracy in Nicaragua requires a halt to repression and a return to the political rights and guarantees expected in a democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns today’s violent assault on the offices of Brazil’s three constitutional powers: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, which provide the foundation of the country’s democracy. Learn more »
The Carter Center condemns the government of Nicaragua’s actions against opposition presidential contender Cristiana Chamorro, who has been denied due process of law for unsubstantiated charges, stripped of her right to compete for public office, and detained incommunicado under house arrest. Learn more »
Two members of the Carter Center’s expert election team arrived in La Paz Saturday to continue in the field their analysis of the Bolivian electoral process, which the team has been carrying out remotely for two months. Learn more »
Venezuela is undergoing an historic moment as it attempts to reconcile deep political divisions that have undermined its democracy. The National Assembly that was freely elected in 2015, and subsequently disbanded by President Nicolas Maduro, has declared Juan Guaidó president of Venezuela through an interpretation of the presidential succession clause in the constitution approved in 1999 under President Hugo Chavez. Learn more »
The Carter Center is deeply concerned about the Nicaraguan government’s recent assault and continued repression of civil society organizations and the media. Learn more »
The Carter Center strongly condemns the violent retaliation and excessive use of force against demonstrators in Nicaragua, and calls on the government to cease all acts of violence and repression and to dismantle para-police groups and riot squads. Learn more »
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter express alarm at the breakdown of the constitutional order in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has had devastating effects on the Venezuelan people and their human rights. Learn more »
The Carter Center repudiates the violent events that occurred during demonstrations protesting reforms to the social security law in Nicaragua. We lament the injuries and loss of life and strongly condemn the disproportionate use of public force. Equally concerning were the obstacles to the media’s ability to report on these events, including attacks on journalists and seizure of equipment. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter are conducting pre-election visits to Honduras in advance of the Nov. 26 general elections. Learn more »
Former President of Bolivia Carlos Mesa and former Vice President of Guatemala Eduardo Stein, in their capacity as members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter (FIADC) and experts on electoral-political processes, will travel to Managua, Nicaragua, Oct. 3-6, 2017, for a Carter Center/FIADC high-level visit. This visit will focus on analyzing the electoral environment in the country and promoting a peaceful election process for Nicaragua’s upcoming municipal elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center, in collaboration with the National Democratic Institute and the Violeta B. de Chamorro Foundation, held a pair of events on domestic electoral observation and the role of the media in electoral processes Sept. 26-27 in Managua, Nicaragua. Learn more »
The Carter Center, in collaboration with the Institute for Strategic Studies and Public Policies (IEEPP), recently held a camp outside Managua to help young people identify and propose local policies, programs, and projects that respond to the needs and demands of Nicaraguan youth. Learn more »
The Carter Center is dismayed by the deplorable events that have taken place in Venezuela in recent days. Learn more »
— We, the members of the group of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of democratic values, met in Atlanta to discuss the situation in our hemisphere and identify challenges that limit democracy in our region Learn more »
The release of Leopoldo Lopez from prison to “house arrest” is an important step toward restoring democratic order in Venezuela. However, he is still not free. Changing one prison for another is not freedom. The prolonged arbitrary detention of Lopez and other political prisoners criminalizes the political activities of opposition groups, which is unacceptable in a democratic society. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate President Juan Manuel Santos on receiving the 2016 Nobel Prize for Peace. The peace prize is a testament to the unfaltering commitment of President Santos to bring a 52-year conflict to an end in Colombia. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Colombia on this historic day, which opens the door to peace after a 50-year civil war. Learn more »
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro met in Plains, Georgia, Thursday to exchange ideas on matters relating to democracy and human rights in the region. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Colombia on the historic agreement announced today that will bring an end to a 50-year civil war between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP). Learn more »
We the undersigned members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of democratic values, have been carefully following the severe crisis in Venezuela. We reiterate our support for the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General’s efforts and the convening of the extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Council of the OAS on June 23, 2016, for the consideration of the report of the Secretary General on Venezuela. Learn more »
ATLANTA — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States, announced Monday that a grave financial crisis has led to the suspension of site visits and cancellation of hearings scheduled for July and October, and the imminent loss of 40 percent of its staff. To avert this dire situation, the IACHR needs to receive funds, or at least written commitments for contributions, before June 15. Learn more »
On the occasion of the Forty-Fourth Special Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), which will take place on March 22, 2013, with the objective of approving the recommendations presented by the Permanent Council for the strengthening of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Inter-American Human Rights System, the below signatories express our recognition and support for the protection of human rights within the Inter-American system and the IACHR, as one of the main collective achievements of the countries in the hemisphere and for the valuable work that, since its creation in 1959, it has carried out and continues to carry out for the promotion, defense, and protection of human rights in the hemisphere. Learn more »
On Oct. 21, The Carter Center sent a small, high-level political delegation to Guatemala City for Sunday's run-off presidential election. The presence of the delegation did not constitute an electoral observation but was an expression of the international community's high interest in Guatemala's democratic process. Learn more »
The Carter Center's high-level political delegation to the Sept. 6 general elections in Guatemala found these elections to be distinct, not only in regard to Guatemala's electoral history, but also in the context of the region. Learn more »
After its first contact with electoral authorities and other Guatemalan stakeholders, the Carter Center's high-level political delegation has found an extraordinary climate of peace and civic commitment despite the complex political moment through the country has experienced. In this spirit, we encourage all citizens to vote in peace and with democratic conviction, sure that in this new stage, an election with high voter turnout will fortify Guatemala's transformation. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Guatemalan Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), The Carter Center will send a small, high-level political delegation to the Sept. 6 general elections in Guatemala. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta are teaming up to host two events examining the future of Cuba and Latin America. Learn more »
We, the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, strongly condemn the death threats issued against 100 human rights defenders in Colombia by unscrupulous individuals on Sept. 9, the National Day of Human Rights in Colombia. These threats not only affect human rights defenders and their noble, arduous work, but also constitute a threat to the citizenry in general. Learn more »
In view of the reelection of magistrates to the Nicaraguan Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) announced by media outlets last month, The Carter Center, which is committed to the welfare of the Nicaraguan people and to the legitimacy and vitality of democracy and human rights in Nicaragua, hereby publicly expresses its concern over this decision, which is a significant lost opportunity for this country to strengthen its battered electoral institutions. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released the final report of the study mission that was deployed to Venezuela for the April 14, 2013, presidential elections. The report provides an extensive study of both election day as well as the pre- and post-election periods, including the results of the post-electoral audit process of the electoral system and the challenges to election results presented by the opposition. Learn more »
In light of the historical interest of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Panama's democracy and well-being, The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter closely followed the electoral process and sent a small, high-level delegation to the May 4 general elections. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Panamanian Electoral Tribunal, The Carter Center will send a small high-level delegation to the May 4 national elections in Panama. The delegation will be led by two members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, former Colombia President Andrés Pastrana and former foreign minister of Mexico Jorge Castañeda, and will include Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Americas Program at The Carter Center; Marcelo Varela-Erasheva, the program's associate director; Ana Caridad, a program associate; and electoral expert Ricardo Valverde. Learn more »
El Centro Carter aplaude los esfuerzos para abrir un canal de comunicación entre el gobierno y los sectores de la oposición venezolana facilitados por el grupo de cancilleres de la Unión de Naciones Suramericanas (UNASUR) y el Vaticano. Learn more »
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter repudiate the events that occurred during and after the peaceful demonstrations by student organizations on Feb. 12, 2014, in Venezuela. The group laments the loss of life and the wounded, and expresses its strong condemnation of the detention of more than 100 students, some of whom reported violations of their physical integrity. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Electoral Tribunal of Panama, The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter sent a delegation Jan. 14-18 to learn about the electoral conditions leading up to the May 4 national elections. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Robert Pastor. As my advisor for Latin American affairs on the National Security Council in the White House, he helped to reshape our country's relations with our Latin American neighbors and secure democracy and human rights throughout the region. Learn more »
The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, following up on the 2013 electoral process in Honduras, recognize the willingness and openness shown by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to address the concerns, questions, and complaints posed by various political actors and parties. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal, The Carter Center sent a high-level delegation to the country's Nov. 24 electoral process. The delegation was led by two members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, former Presidents Carlos Mesa of Bolivia and Martin Torrijos of Panama, and Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Americas Program at The Carter Center. Learn more »
At the invitation of the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal, The Carter Center will send a small high-level delegation to the Nov. 24 national elections in Honduras. The delegation will be led by two members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, former Presidents Carlos Mesa of Bolivia and Martin Torrijos of Panama, and will include Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Americas program at The Carter Center, and Marcelo Varela-Erasheva, the program's associate director. Learn more »
The Carter Center today released a preliminary report (PDF) on Venezuela's April 14, 2013, special presidential elections recommending electoral reforms to ensure greater campaign equity, increased efforts to improve the electoral climate for voters, and more information about the effectiveness of the biometric identification system and procedures to prevent usurpation of voter identity and multiple voting. Learn more »
Bolivian President Evo Morales and former President Eduardo Rodriguez visited Plains, Georgia, today to meet with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and Carter Center staff about Bolivia's quest to obtain a mutually satisfactory means of access to the sea with Chile and Peru. Learn more »
During this time of tension and uncertainty, The Carter Center urges all Venezuelans to express their differences peacefully, respecting the legal order and the constitutional rights of all citizens. Learn more »
At the invitation of Venezuela's National Election Council, The Carter Center will send a small delegation to accompany the Venezuelan people during the April 14 presidential election. Learn more »
A report on the 2012 Venezuelan presidential election issued today by The Carter Center notes increased citizen confidence in the voter system compared to past contests. Learn more »
We the undersigned members of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of democratic values, have been following carefully the current electoral process in Venezuela. Learn more »
The Carter Center's independent study mission to Venezuela today released a pre-electoral report (PDF), which assesses the preparations for key elements of the process including voter registration, campaign conditions, voting conditions, integrity of the vote count, and the dispute resolution process. Learn more »
The Carter Center has declined an invitation from the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) to accompany the Oct. 7 presidential elections. The concept of accompaniment differs from observation in that the purpose of accompaniment is to invite foreign individuals to witness the day of the election with a largely symbolic political presence, Learn more »
The Carter Center shares its profound sadness for the untimely death of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, recognized advocate of human rights for all the citizens of his beloved Cuba, whom we met during former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visits to the island. Learn more »
We, the undersigned, Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, express our deep concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression in the Republic of Ecuador. Learn more »
As Venezuela enters an important election year, The Carter Center will send a small study group of international experts to the country for the opposition's primary elections on Feb. 12, 2012. The candidates chosen in the primaries will represent the political opposition in the Oct. 7 presidential elections and the December 2012 governor and mayoral elections. Learn more »
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, a group of former leaders and eminent persons in the Western Hemisphere, today called for "serious review and reform" of Nicaragua's electoral system. Learn more »
Un informe publicado el día de hoy - La política de drogas en los Andes: buscando alternativas humanas y eficaces propone introducir cambios innovadores de política para enfrentar la amenaza del narcotráfico tanto en América Latina como en los Estados Unidos. Learn more »
We acknowledge the strong electoral support given to President Ortega in Sunday's election. Nevertheless, we are troubled by the reports of significant deficiencies in the 2011 electoral process in Nicaragua and their implications for democratic governance. Learn more »
We, the undersigned, regret the announcement of the Venezuelan Supreme Court that it will not be feasible to comply with the decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of Leopoldo Lopez vs. Venezuela issued on Sept. 1, 2011. Learn more »
A small delegation from The Carter Center will visit Nicaragua during the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in Nicaragua on Nov. 6. Learn more »
In light of the Nicaraguan Supreme Electoral Council's (CSE) publication of the Electoral Accompaniment Regulations on Aug. 16, 2011, The Carter Center wishes to explain its conditions for observing the Nicaraguan elections in 2011. Learn more »
The Andean-U.S. Dialogue Forum, a citizens' forum created to identify and contribute solutions to multilateral problems and tensions among the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) and the United States, issued a report today outlining a common agenda to improve cooperation among the nations. Learn more »
The decision last year by a part of the Nicaraguan Supreme Court to declare unconstitutional article 147 prohibiting consecutive re-election in the 1995 Constitution allowed President Daniel Ortega to propose his candidacy for reelection in 2011. Learn more »
The Carter Center limited observation mission in Bolivia found election day to be generally peaceful and that the new biometric voter list served the purposes for which it has been implemented. The Center recommends that Bolivian society and the National Electoral Court (CNE) continue to strengthen their efforts to consolidate credibility in their institutions. Learn more »
The following letter was distributed today from The Carter Center and The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter to the Permanent Representatives of the OAS prior to their planned discussion on Honduras. Learn more »
The Carter Center announced today that it will deploy a small observation delegation to Bolivia's Dec. 6 elections, led by Jennifer McCoy, director of the Center's Americas Program. Learn more »
In a report released today, The Carter Center commended the publication of the biometric voter registry by the National Electoral Court (CNE) for contributing significantly to the transparency of the Dec. 6 elections. Learn more »
The Carter Center has decided not to observe the Honduras elections scheduled for Nov. 29 because a national unity government has not been established and the vote by the Congress is not scheduled until after the elections. Learn more »
Upon completing two days of interviews with a range of political actors and representatives of Honduran society, the delegation from The Carter Center and the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter group share their findings and initial insights in the statement below, and they reiterate their commitment to the promotion of democracy and to effective international support and vigilance. Learn more »
At the invitation of the National Electoral Court, The Carter Center is continuing to observe the process of the biometric census registration in all of the departments of Bolivia, including rural districts, isolated areas, special districts, and some cities outside of the country. Learn more »
The Carter Center launched a voter registration observation mission to Bolivia this week by deploying six long-term observers to cover all of the country's nine departamentos (districts). The Center's observers will monitor the biometric voter registration process, focusing on the administration of voter registration, citizen participation, voter registration complaints, and related issues. Learn more »
We are deeply concerned about a possible escalation in violence and bloodshed in Honduras. The San Jose Accords provide the best avenue to resolve the current crisis, and we urge both sides to work in good faith to achieve an agreement along these lines. International verification will be important to ensure that the agreements are fully implemented and to provide reassurance to all Hondurans. Learn more »
Faced with the occurrence of the coup d'état in the Republic of Honduras, Sunday, June 28, We, the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, express our great concern for the rupture of the constitutional order in the Republic of Honduras that took place on June 28, 2009. Learn more »
Atlanta . . . Participants in a conference on the right of access to information released today their findings and plan of action to advance the right in the Americas.The Americas Regional Plan of Actionprovides a blueprint for the regional and international community, states, and non-state actors to establish, develop, and nurture the right of access to information in the Americas and calls on them to commit to the plan in furtherance of our common objective. The regional document serves as an annex to last year's global Atlanta Declaration and Plan of Action. Learn more »
Dear Secretary General Insulza, Knowing the special importance that the relations with Cuba hold on the hemispheric agenda, we address you in our capacity as Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Our purpose is to share some reflections that we believe are fundamental to the analysis and development of an institutional strategy underpinning a gradual rapprochement between the Organization of American States (OAS) and Cuba. Learn more »
More than 100 high-ranking officials, civil society leaders, and journalists from 20 countries will participate in a Carter Center-hosted Americas Regional Conference on the Right of Access to Information from April 28-20 in Lima, Peru. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will attend as part of his four-country trip to visit Carter Center projects in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Brazil, in addition to the Lima conference, from April 27-May 4. Learn more »
Atlanta...Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter will visit Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil from April 27-May 4 to assess Carter Center projects, participate in a regional conference on the right of access to information, and meet with officials to discuss regional themes of importance following the Summit of the Americas. President Carter will meet with each country's president - Rafael Correa in Ecuador, Alan García in Perú, Evo Morales in Bolivia, and Lula Da Silva in Brazil – as well as with each foreign minister and representatives of other sectors. Accompanying him will be former First Lady Rosalynn Carter; Dr. John Hardman, president and CEO of The Carter Center; Dr. Jennifer McCoy, director of the Center's Americas Program; and Francisco Diez, representative of the Center in Latin America. Learn more »
The Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter have followed the recent Presidential elections in El Salvador with particular interest. We congratulate president-elect Mauricio Funes and his FMLN party, as well as Rodrigo Avila for his rapid and unhesitating acceptance of the verdict of the Salvadoran people as announced by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. With a difference of 69,412 votes out of over four million cast, the difference was narrow. We extend warm congratulations to the entire country on the degree of political maturity shown by the electorate in this peaceful, orderly, and well organized election. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Bolivian people for the peaceful exercise of its civic obligations during the constitutional referendum held on Jan. 25. The Center's political mission visited more than 100 polling stations and did not witness any act of violence or intimidation that would affect the voting of the citizens. Learn more »
The Carter Center will deploy a small political mission to observe Bolivia's constitutional referendum on Jan. 25. The group includes former Foreign Minister of Ecuador Maria Isabel Salvador, former Judge of the Electoral Tribunal of Brazil Torquato Jardim, Vice President of Carter Center Peace Programs John Stremlau, and other expert observers. Learn more »
The Carter Center expresses deep concern for the resurgence in politically driven violence in Nicaragua, which began after contentious Nov. 9 elections and recently regained intensity. Events leading up to the elections, their conduct, and subsequent controversies have harmed the credibility of the electoral authorities, the democratic nature of the process, and the legitimacy of results. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls on all actors, leaders, and civil and state authorities to seek an expeditious, legitimate, and mutually respectful solution to the claims of electoral irregularities and doubts that have arisen about the administration of Nicaragua's municipal elections. Learn more »
We, the undersigned Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, committed to the promotion and defense of the values and principles in the Charter and attentive to democratic development in the Western hemisphere, express our deep concern for the recent events and acts in Nicaragua. Learn more »
The Carter Center congratulates the Ecuadorian people for their democratic participation in the Sept. 28 constitutional referendum, which expressed their civic and peaceful will in a transparent manner. Learn more »
The Carter Center calls for an end to violence in Bolivia in light of the grave situation facing the country. The Center urges political and social leaders to sustain territorial integrity and national unity as the pillars for a peace that guarantees democracy, full respect for human rights, and a return to tranquility for all inhabitants. Learn more »
The Carter Center will field an electoral observation mission during Ecuador's constitutional referendum to be held on Sept. 28, 2008, in response to an invitation by Ecuador's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo Electoral). Learn more »
The Carter Center will continue working for dialogue and the improvement of the relationship between the people of Colombia and Ecuador and remains ready to collaborate with both governments in the manner the presidents deem to be most appropriate and opportune. Learn more »
At the initiative of a group of citizens belonging to the Binational Dialogue Group—composed of Colombians and Ecuadorians and supported by The Carter Center and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a series of messages geared specifically toward promoting camaraderie between the two countries will be released at their World Cup qualifying match today. Learn more »
The founder of The Carter Center and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Jimmy Carter, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have supported the work of a dialogue group composed of distinguished citizens from Ecuador and Colombia to improve relations between the two countries since September 2007. Learn more »
Statement issued by The Carter Center clarifying press communiqués issued in recent days by the governments of Ecuador and Colombia. Learn more »
Venezuelan citizens responded on Dec. 2 in a peaceful and orderly way to the referendum convoked by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to approve or reject the proposal to reform the National Constitution, presented to the citizens by the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Learn more »
In a message to Ecuador's newly inaugurated Constituent Assembly, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter urged the constituents to use human rights as a basis for drafting a new constitution and encouraged them to seek a harmonious solution on the definition and implementation of their role in transforming the state's institutions. Learn more »
Almost 30 years ago, when I assumed the presidency of my country and military dictatorships extended throughout Latin America, Ecuador inaugurated a wave of democratization that continues today. Human rights began to be restored as fundamental values, and slowly the countries of Latin America established democratic regimes. Learn more »
The Venezuelan society faces a serious dilemma. The National Electoral Council (CNE) has convened a referendum for December 2, 2007 for Venezuelan citizens to cast their votes and convey their opinion about the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Government´s proposal to reform the current Constitution. Learn more »
Yesterday, Sept. 30, the Ecuadorian people demonstrated their profound democratic vocation by voting peacefully for representatives to the constituent assembly. Learn more »
In response to an invitation by the Supreme Electoral Court (Tribunal Supremo Electoral) of Ecuador, The Carter Center will field an electoral observation mission during the constituent assembly election to be held Sept. 30, 2007. The Carter Center also announces the opening of a field office in the city of Quito. Learn more »
Political party and election campaign financing is a murky field in eight Latin American countries, according to a study released today by Transparency International (TI) and The Carter Center. Learn more »
As the foreign ministers of the Western Hemisphere gather for their annual General Assembly to review progress in achieving collective goals for the improvement of security, democracy, and development, The Carter Center and Transparency International announce the creation of a new instrument for transparency in the Americas. Learn more »
The Carter Center expressed concern about the potential for a renewed escalation of violence in the wake of the termination of broadcasts by RCTV and called for new dialogue among political opponents to maintain peace in the country. Learn more »
In response to an invitation from the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE), The Carter Center will organize a specialized, limited technical mission for the Dec. 3, 2006, presidential elections. Learn more »
As The Carter Center continues its observation of the electoral process in Nicaragua, we note that the Supreme Electoral Council has reported the results for 92 percent of the polling stations. These results indicate that Daniel Ortega has a clear lead of 9 percent over the second place finisher Eduardo Montealegre in the presidential race. Learn more »
Once again we wish to thank the Supreme Electoral Council and the government of Nicaragua for their kind invitations to observe the 2006 election process. This is the 4th national election The Carter Center has observed in Nicaragua since 1990, and each experience brings fresh lessons. Learn more »
The Carter Center will issue a preliminary statement of findings on Nicaragua's Nov. 5 presidential, vice-presidential, and legislative elections during a press conference scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EDT Nov. 7 at the InterContinental Metrocentro Hotel. Learn more »
This is the fourth national election that The Carter Center has observed in Nicaragua, beginning in 1990. Your country has always held a special place in my heart. It is a pleasure to be here in the company of my two co-leaders, the former president of Panama Nicolás Ardito Barletta and the former president of Peru Alejandro Toledo. Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center announced today that it has named former Peru President Alejandro Toledo and former Panama President Nicolás Ardito Barletta to join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter as co-leaders in observing Nicaragua's national elections on Nov. 5, 2006. The Carter Center delegation will also include 50 international observers deployed throughout the country. Learn more »
Having accompanied Nicaragua's election process throughout 2006, and monitored it intensively since September, The Carter Center takes this occasion to express its views concerning the progress of the preparations for the November 5th balloting. Learn more »
MANAGUA...The Carter Center fielded its first election observers in Nicaragua on Sept. 8, 2006, sending seven observers to begin monitoring the election process. The observers received a two-day training at the Carter Center's Managua office before deploying to Esteli, Leon, Matagalpa, Granada, Juigalpa, Bluefields, and Puerto Cabezas. The Center will also initiate observation of the Department of Managua from its office in the capital this week. Learn more »
The Carter Center commends the people of Guyana, the political parties, and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for what so far has been the most peaceful and orderly electoral process in recent history. This speaks to the maturing of Guyana's political culture and the deep yearning for peace and progress, which is shared by all Guyanese. That said, the frustration and fear that exists across society must be acknowledged and mitigated through actions of political leaders over the coming days and beyond. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center announced today that it is organizing a small election observation presence for Guyana's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on August 28. The purpose is to demonstrate the Center's interest in and support for Guyana's democratization process and to assess the political and electoral environment in Guyana surrounding the elections in follow-up to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visit to Guyana in August 2004. Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, with experts from The Carter Center, held a press conference here July 6 at 10 a.m. in the InterContinental Metrocentro Hotel. The event concluded several days of meetings with Nicaragua's presidential and vice presidential candidates, election officials, and civil society groups by President Carter, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and top Carter Center staff. Learn more »
Managua....Rosalynn and I have spent three days in Managua learning about the election process, accompanied by the Director of the Americas Program at The Carter Center Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Senior Associate Director Dr. Shelley McConnell, our new Chief of Mission for the Nicaraguan Elections Dr. Jaime Aparicio, and our political analyst David Dye. Learn more »
A press conference following several days of meetings including President Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, top staff of The Carter Center and Nicaragua's presidential and vice presidential candidates, election officials, and civil society groups Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua....The Carter Center sent a group of 11 experts from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ireland, the UK, and the U.S. to Nicaragua for the purpose of observing citizen verification of the voting rolls during the weekend of June 17 and 18, 2006. The Center´s observers were deployed to the departments of Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Estelí, Granada, León, Jinotega, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia as well as to the South Atlantic Autonomous Region. Learn more »
En los próximos días Los ciudadanos nicaragüenses tendrán la oportunidad de participar en un proceso de verificación en el que confirmarán personalmente que sus nombres se incluyen en el padrón electoral de las elecciones de noviembre. Insto a todos los nicaragüenses en edad de votar a participar en este proceso durante los días 17 y 18 de junio. Esta es una importante oportunidad para corregir cualquier error u omisión en el padrón de electores. El derecho de votar es sagrado y debe protegerse, de modo que al verificar sus nombres y lugares de votación los ciudadanos pueden contribuir con la construcción de una democracia fuerte Learn more »
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic….New maps will point the Dominican Republic in the direction of improved democratic principles, including better access to information and election campaign finance reform. The Carter Center, the University of Calgary, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL) introduced the maps of the Dominican Republic on June 5 at Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) in Santo Domingo. Learn more »
Kingston, Jamaica…The Carter Center will conduct a series of access to information events, June 6-9. News media are invited to cover any and all portions. Please visit www.cartercenter.org, or click the following links, for detailed agenda information: Learn more »
The Director of The Carter Center Americas Program Jennifer McCoy concluded an institutional visit of three days to Venezuela on May 26, during which she met with the president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Vice-president of the Republic, the Archbishop of Caracas, the ministers of Foreign Relations, Communication and Information, and Science and Technology, opposition candidates, and representatives of international organizations such as UNDP and the European Union. She also met with the directors of diverse organizations such as: Grupo Cesap, Ojo Electoral, Súmate, INVESP, Convidemos, IPYS, Aquí Cabemos Todos and Fortalecer la Paz, among others. Learn more »
Atlanta....El Centro Carter tiene El honor El día de hoy de anunciar que El ex-presidente de los Estados Unidos, Jimmy Carter visitará Nicaragua durante Los días 3 a 5 de julio de 2006, para informarse de la marcha del proceso electoral de este país. Durante su estadía, El ex-presidente Carter se reunirá con las autoridades electorales y gubernamentales de Nicaragua para discutir posibles modalidades de una misión del Centro Carter para observar las elecciones nacionales programadas para noviembre. Asimismo se reunirá con todo el espectro de participantes en la contienda electoral, igual que con organismos de la sociedad civil y observadores nacionales e internacionales. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Select former government officials with expert perspectives on democracy and stability in the Western Hemisphere gathered at The Carter Center April 25-26 to bolster their mandate as Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The group was formed by the Center to strengthen the ability of countries to prevent crisis in the hemisphere, where fifteen presidencies have been interrupted with impeachment, coups, or forced resignations from mass protests since 1990, democracies remain weak, and civil unrest is growing. Learn more »
The Carter Center has supported in its various reports, declarations, and recommendations the need to continue strengthening the electoral branch in Venezuela by means of a permanent National Electoral Council (CNE) whose transparency, professionalism, and impartiality permits an increased level of confidence in the vote among citizens. Learn more »
Guatemala City, Guatemala….New maps will point Guatemala in the direction of improved democratic principles, including better access to information and election campaign finance reform. The Carter Center, the University of Calgary, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL) will introduce the Guatemala maps on April 6. Twelve countries in the Western Hemisphere will have such maps, completed by July of 2007, using state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology and made available as a public resource via the Internet. The cutting-edge technology will foster fairness, increase transparency, and galvanize stability throughout the Americas by illustrating where media are located, how far they broadcast, who owns them, and what the demographic profile is of the electoral constituencies they reach. Learn more »
In response to an invitation extended by the seven members of the Supreme Electoral Council, The Carter Center announced today that it is sending a small contingent of observers to the regional elections on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua, scheduled for March 5, 2006. The elections for Atlantic Coast regional councils are critically important for strengthening the process of regional autonomy and therefore of democracy, and are of importance to all Nicaraguans. Learn more »
Breakthrough interactive and Web-based maps detailing media coverage during national elections will be unveiled Thursday Feb. 9, 2006, by The Carter Center, the University of Calgary, and the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL). Learn more »
En enero de 2006, El Centro Carter recibió del Presidente del Consejo Supremo Electoral, el Dr. Roberto Rivas, una invitación para observar las elecciones regionales y nacionales a realizarse en Nicaragua en los meses de marzo y noviembre del 2006. Learn more »
On Sunday, December 18, 2005, the citizens of Bolivia will participate in important elections for a new president, vice president, representatives to the legislature, and prefects. In their recent democratic history, Bolivians have always found constitutional means of reconciling their differences, and this election is a demonstration of their continued commitment to democratic processes established in the Bolivian constitution. Learn more »
With former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visit to support the process of national dialogue in July 2002, The Carter Center began a two and a half year cycle of continuous activities in Venezuela. The Center's activities continued until August 2004, the date of the presidential recall referendum, and drew to a close in February 2005, with the monitoring of the post electoral environment. Learn more »
Is investigative journalism thriving in Jamaica? How can Jamaican journalists defend and promote freedom of expression? These questions and other issues related to the Access to Information Act and the new draft Code of Conduct for Journalists will be addressed in a panel discussion Tuesday, May 3, at the Knutsford Court Hotel 5:30-8:30 p.m. Learn more »
The Carter Center views with concern the political crisis of the past four months, culminating in the removal of the Ecuadorian president yesterday. The Center urges calm to allow the restoration of a normal constitutional situation, including re-establishing the Supreme Court. Learn more »
I have watched with concern the increasing tension in Bolivia culminating two days ago in the resignation letter of President Mesa. Over the past 17 months, Bolivia has faced difficult choices on a variety of issues, and these will not be solved simply with a change in the government. Learn more »
After two and a half years of continuous activities in Venezuela, today The Carter Center ends an extensive cycle of work in the country. This cycle, beginning in July 2002 with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's visit to support the process of national dialogue, continued until August 2004, the date of the presidential recall referendum, and drew to a close in recent months with the monitoring of the post electoral environment. Learn more »
ATLANTA....Americans showed unprecedented compassion and generosity in response to the Asian tsunami disaster. Once again tragedy has struck, this time in Guyana, a small country on the northern coast of South America, where The Carter Center has supported political, social, and economic development since 1991. Learn more »
ATLANTA…Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter called on countries in the Western Hemisphere to strengthen the OAS Inter-American Democratic Charter today in a keynote speech of the inaugural Lecture Series of the Americas at the Organization of American States in Washington. Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center will host 35 Chinese electoral officials Nov. 2 around Atlanta and Chattanooga to observe U.S. Election Day. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center thanks the Venezuelan National Electoral Council for its invitation received Oct. 8 to observe the election of governors and mayors, but the Center, unfortunately, has had to decline the invitation. Learn more »
Upon receiving complaints from the opposition Coordinadora Democrática about suspected irregularities in the voting results recorded in the machine, specifically, a pattern of tied results among two or three machines in the same voting tables, The Carter Center consulted with several statisticians. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…I am delighted to be back in Caracas, with my good friends Cesar Gaviria, Raul Alfonsín, Belisario Betancur and Rodrigo Carazo to observe the recall referendum tomorrow. The vote tomorrow is the culmination of a dialogue under the leadership of the Secretary General, the resulting agreement of May 29, 2003, a year of peaceful and legal effort by the Coordinadora to obtain the requisite number of signatures, and a month of vigorous but violence-free campaigning. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…I would like to thank once again President Jagdeo and Chairman Corbin for inviting me to visit Guyana. I have had an opportunity to meet with a wide range of organizations and individuals, who all have given generously of their time and have shared their opinions and suggestions. I had productive discussions with Mr. Corbin and other leaders of the People's National Congress Reform, President Jagdeo and the Central Executive Committee of the People's Progressive Party/Civic, members of parliament of both ROAR and WPA/GAP, the chairman and commissioners of the Ethnic Relations Commission, the speaker of the National Assembly, the chancellor, chief justice, and president of the bar association, representatives of the private sector and trade unions, the Rights of the Child youth group, the international donor community, and others. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…I want to thank President Jagdeo for his invitation and look forward to meeting with him, Robert Corbin, and members of Guyanese civil society. I have a deep personal interest in Guyana and believe the basic integrity of its political, social, and economic systems must be made more responsive to the needs and aspirations of all Guyanese. The purpose of my visit is to assess whether The Carter Center can make a further contribution to this need. At the close of my visit, I will hold a press conference. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….Invited by the National Election Council (CNE) to observe the presidential recall referendum on Aug. 15, the Carter Center delegation of experienced observers from 14 countries arrives Wednesday to complement the core team already in Caracas. Learn more »
ATLANTA….I urge Bolivians to maintain a calm and peaceful atmosphere as they go to vote on the issues surrounding the hydrocarbons law and management of the gas sector this weekend. Bolivia has experienced extraordinary political developments in the past year. I commend the public for their courage in following a democratic path and for seeking a more participatory democracy. For that reason, I join U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the Organization of American States in the calling for a peaceful referendum. Learn more »
ATLANTA...I have accepted an invitation from President Jagdeo to visit Guyana. The Carter Center has been involved in Guyana for more than a decade. In that time, we have observed elections, supported the formulation of the country's National Development Strategy, and helped bolster the judicial system and strengthen citizens' organizations to make a greater contribution to public policy. The purpose of my visit is to assess whether the Center might be able to make further contributions to the improved welfare of all Guyanese. I also spoke by telephone to Robert Corbin last week to discuss my visit. I look forward to meeting with President Jagdeo, Mr. Corbin, parliament members, and representatives of civil society and donor countries to hear all views on the challenges facing Guyana. Learn more »
Mr. Chairman, thank you for the invitation to testify before this subcommittee. I have studied Venezuela as a scholar for twenty years, and have been involved in Venezuela with The Carter Center since 1998, when we observed the 1998 and 2000 elections. Since June of 2002, I have been leading the Carter Center’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between the government and opposition, and to monitor the recall referendum effort begun in November 2003. Learn more »
Representing the Carter Center, President Jimmy Carter hosted a meeting on June 18, 2004, between Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías and Venezuelan entrepreneur Gustavo Cisneros. There was a mutual commitment to honor constitutional processes and to support further discussions between the government of Venezuela and the country's news media to ensure the most appropriate climate for this constitutional process Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…In the framework of the invitation from the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Venezuelan government, the Organization of the American States and The Carter Center have observed the first phase of the reparos, or signature repair, process for the recall referenda on representatives of the National Assembly. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…The Carter Center will be closing its project office in Guyana at the end of May 2004, having completed its most recent project in the country. Since 2000, the Center has been implementing the More Responsive and Participatory Governance and Rule of Law in Guyana project financed by the United States Agency for International Development, in partnership with the National Democratic Institute and the International Foundation for Election Systems. As part of this project, the Center has worked to improve the influence of civil society on public policy and to strengthen the administration of justice in Guyana. Learn more »
KINGSTON, JAMAICA….The Carter Center is hosting three seminars in late May on access to information issues, including how to use the Access to Information Act, how to appeal denials, and the relationship between access to information, the officials secrets act, and public interest disclosure. The seminars underscore the importance of public discussion on existing and future legislation to increase accountability and transparency in Jamaica. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….In recent days, at the request of representatives of the election observation mission of the Organization of American States and The Carter Center, informal communication with the authorities of the National Electoral Council (CNE) has been maintained, in which they have lessened friction caused by recent public statements. The electoral authorities have asked the members of the international mission continue their observation process, and the international mission maintains its position that it will avoid all disturbing interference in the good rhythm that has prevailed in their relations with the CNE. Likewise, it has been decided that a meeting of the directorate of the CNE with the head of the OAS mission, Fernando Jaramillo, and Carter Center representative Francisco Diez will occur next Wednesday. The mission reiterates its respect and consideration for the authority of the CNE to make decisions and, in keeping with the nature of the organization, to direct the process of calling recall referendum. #### PARA PUBLICACION INMEDIATA Lunes, 17 de Mayo de 2004 Contactos: Javier Montes OEA, 202-458-6194 Kay Torrance The Carter Center, 404-420-5129 NOTA DE PRENSA DEL CONSEJO NACIONAL ELECTORAL Y LA MISIÓN CONJUNTA DE LA OEA Y EL CENTRO CARTER CARACAS, VENEZUELA....Durante estos últimos días, a solicitud de los representantes de la misión de observación electoral de la Organización de los Estados Americanos y el Centro Carter, se han mantenido comunicaciones informales con las autoridades del Consejo Nacional Electoral, donde se han limado las asperezas ocasionadas por recientes manifestaciones públicas. Las autoridades electorales han dispuesto que los miembros de la misión internacional sigan adelante con sus tareas de observación del proceso y la observación internacional mantiene su posición de evitar toda injerencia perturbadora a la buena marcha que ha prevalecido en las relaciones con el CNE. Asimismo, se ha acordado realizar una reunión del directorio del CNE con el jefe de la misión electoral de la OEA, Fernando Jaramillo y el representante del Centro Carter, Francisco Diez, el próximo miércoles de esta semana. La misión conjunta reitera su respeto y consideración a la autoridad del CNE para la toma de sus decisiones, en su carácter de organismo rector del proceso de convocatoria a referendums revocatorios. #### Donate Now Sign Up for Email Updates Email Address: Enter Your Email Address Spam Control Text: Please leave this field empty Submit Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….The joint mission of the Organization of American States and The Carter Center wish to clarify the scope and sense of its last statement, as well as to reiterate its respect and consideration for the electoral authority, which has generously permitted both organizations to work as international observers in the process of the referenda request Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA...The Organization of American States and The Carter Center will observe the two scheduled reparos (recall signatures corrections) processes in Venezuela, May 21-23 and May 28-30. This observation occurs at the invitation of the National Electoral Council (CNE) and in the context of the Accord of May 2003. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and O.A.S. Secretary General Cesar Gaviria will lead the observation mission and will arrive in the country on May 29th to be present for the conclusion of the reparos. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA... Today the national government, represented at the Enlace Mechanism (established by the May 29, 2003, accord) by deputies Nicolás Maduro and Desireé Santos Amaral, has informed the group's facilitators of the delicate situation regarding the detention of a group of foreign mercenaries. These mercenaries may be willing to initiate violent and criminal actions against military and political targets. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…Yesterday the Democratic Coordinator publicly announced their intention to participate in the repair (reparos) process. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….The OAS and The Carter Center have been participating in the meetings that the CNE has formally held about the mechanisms for the correction period, in order to listen to the proposals and concerns of the actors involved in the recall referendum process. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…Today, the National Electoral Council made public the preliminary official results of the process of verification of signatures for the petition to recall the president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA….The Organization of the American States and The Carter Center have been observing the process of collection, verification, and validation of signatures developed by the National Electoral Council to determine whether current requests for recall referenda will be adequate. This work has been at the invitation of the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the electoral authority and in the framework of the agreement of May 23, 2003, as a result of the Table of Negotiation and Agreements. Learn more »
CARACAS....Since last November, the Mission of the Organization of the American States and The Carter Center has been observing the process of verification and validation of signatures that the National Electoral Council is implementing to determine the possibility of a recall referendum. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center joins the international community in congratulating President Oscar Berger and Guatemala's newly elected congressional deputies and local mayors. After decades of devastating civil war and with little progress on implementing the 1996 Peace Accords, the new administration has an important opportunity to work with political leaders and civil society to make significant progress in fulfilling the longstanding aspirations of all Guatemalans. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela….Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will travel to Caracas, Venezuela, on behalf of The Carter Center Jan. 25-27 to advance the Peace and Democracy Accord. President Carter will meet with Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, the National Electoral Council, opposition leaders, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA…Carter Center representatives observed the second round of national elections in Guatemala on Dec. 28, 2003, in the departments of El Quiché, San Marcos, Totonicapán, Huehuetenango, and Suchitepéquez. The Center congratulates president-elect Oscar Berger and expresses the hope that his government will prioritize full implementation of the 1996 Peace Accords, particularly strengthening the rule of law within the framework of fundamental human rights. Learn more »
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA….I thank President Carlos Mesa, the Bolivian Congress, and the people of Bolivia for the opportunity to visit and hear your views. Bolivia now has a unique opportunity to reach a new consensus through informed debate on the rules of your democracy. Learn more »
ATLANTA….The Carter Center called on electoral authorities in Guatemala to ensure voters who recently updated their registration will be able to cast their ballots and on the authorities and political parties to provide a secure and impartial environment for the second round of elections, according to the Center's second statement on the Guatemalan electoral process released today. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana…..Six Guyanese not-for-profit organizations from three regions will compete in the finals of a contest to present the best paper advocating a solution to a public policy issue. The contest is an activity funded under United States Agency for International Development's Democracy and Governance Program and implemented by The Carter Center in Guyana. Learn more »
Now that the signature collection process for the recall referenda has been concluded, the joint mission of the Organization of American States and The Carter Center wishes to express its gratitude for the warm welcome it has received and for the confidence placed in its observers by the Venezuelan people, and for the collaboration of the governmental and electoral authorities, the representatives of the various political and civil society organizations, and the members of the armed forces. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA…In light of the invitation extended by the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Organization of American States and The Carter Center have had the privilege of observing the first phase of the signature collection process for the recall referenda. Learn more »
The Organization of American States (OAS) and The Carter Center will observe the two scheduled collections of recall signatures in Venezuela, from Nov. 21-24 and Nov. 28-Dec. 1. Learn more »
The Carter Center supports the authority of the National Electoral Council Learn more »
ATLANTA…Guatemalans will go to the polls Sunday to select their next president, members of the legislature, and municipal authorities. They do so amid concerns about personal security that have a long history and have been rekindled in some areas of the country in recent weeks. To fulfill its obligation to guarantee the security of its citizens, the government of Guatemala has deployed police and the armed forces, as is practiced in many other Latin American countries during elections. It is incumbent upon these security forces to fulfill their duties with respect for the rights of all voters and to remain attentive to the sensitivities of certain communities still engaged in the painful process of reconciliation. I urge all eligible voters to go to the polls and cast their ballots freely with confidence that the international community is following this process with interest and that both international and Guatemalan election monitors will be active throughout the country. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY…A Carter Center election observation team, including four international observers, a human rights expert, and a campaign finance expert, established an office in Guatemala on Oct. 21, 2003, to begin monitoring the Nov. 9 presidential, congressional, and municipal electoral process. The goal of the Center's project in Guatemala is to highlight human rights and political finance issues as they relate both to the elections and to sustainable peace through justice and national reconciliation. The Center will continue to monitor the electoral process until December or January, depending upon whether there is a second round of balloting, and will publish periodic public statements detailing our observers' findings. During the week of Oct. 27-31, two Carter Center observation teams visited the Department of El Quiché and a number of communities in Alta and Baja Verapaz, meeting with Guatemalan and international election observers, local civil society groups, representatives of political parties and government agencies, and community members. This is the first summary report of Carter Center observers' findings regarding the Guatemalan electoral environment. Learn more »
ATLANTA…Guatemala's campaign finance system is one of the least regulated in the Western Hemisphere, and concern is rising among citizens that donor anonymity opens the door to illicit funding that may include drug money, according to a Carter Center report released today. Learn more »
GUATEMALA CITY…. The Carter Center opened an office this week in Guatemala City to begin monitoring the national electoral process, with special emphasis on human rights and campaign finance. These issues are critical to equal participation in a democracy. Learn more »
ATLANTA...The weeks of protests, marches, and violence have taken a heavy toll on the people of Bolivia. The loss of lives in El Alto and elsewhere will remain just one of the many sad reminders of this period in Bolivia's history. Learn more »
ATLANTA… I wish to express my deepest regret for the loss of life that has occurred in Bolivia these past days and weeks and my personal condolences to the family and friends of those who have died. The violence that has rocked Bolivia is abhorrent to all peace loving people. Learn more »
The Carter Center is prepared to collaborate with the new electoral authorities in Venezuela in future electoral processes and to continue as a facilitator between the government and opposition. The Center has noted advances in the implementation of the May Accord facilitated by the Organization of American States with the support of The Carter Center and the United Nations Development Programme. Learn more »
ATLANTA…The Carter Center applauds the announcement of the Supreme Court of Venezuela Monday to appoint a new National Electoral Council in accordance with the court's interpretations of the Venezuelan Constitution. As The Carter Center proposed in January 2003, the Supreme Court should name an Electoral Council if the National Assembly were unable to name one. Learn more »
The Carter Center Guyana will host a legal empowerment forum at Umana Yana in Georgetown on Saturday, July 12, that will involve more than 60 participants mostly from Regions 4 and 10. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Guyana office awarded grants today to four not-for-profit organizations promoting the causes of women, youth, and Amerindians to implement projects on literacy, adolescent reproductive health, community sanitation, and agricultural education for youth. Learn more »
More than 90 participants attended the Carter Center Guyana's second Youth Empowerment Forum Saturday, June 7, aimed at raising participation by youth in decision-making and governance, mobilizing young people to become volunteers, and supporting development of future community leaders. Learn more »
The Carter Center will report its findings and recommendations of its final report on the October 2002 Jamaican elections during a symposium scheduled for June 5 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel. Learn more »
I congratulate the members of the Forum on Negotiation and Agreements in Venezuela on the signing of an accord to respect human rights, freedom of expression, and the right to petition for recall referenda of elected officials. Learn more »
We, the undersigned members of the Forum for Negotiation and Agreement, representing the national government and the political and social groups supporting it, as well as the political and civil society organizations comprising the Coordinadora Democrática, hereby sign this Agreement in a spirit of tolerance, in order to contribute to strengthening the climate of peace in the country. It is in this spirit that we reaffirm the principles and mechanisms that brought us to this table, as set forth in the Executive Summary agreed by the parties from the time it was established, as well as our conviction with regard to finding a constitutional, peaceful, democratic, and electoral solution. Learn more »
On a sweltering day in Georgetown, a handful of people huddled around a table debating no less than the future of their country. Learn more »
The Carter Center Guyana held a legal empowerment forum in Anna Regina on Saturday, March 29, attended by more than 70 participants from Regions 2 and 3. Learn more »
I am deeply concerned about reports of detentions of Cuban citizens known for supporting the Varela Project, promoting human rights, and practicing independent journalism. Learn more »
Ten former presidents and prime ministers from the Western Hemisphere met at The Carter Center this week and agreed upon practical recommendations for how governments can reduce campaign costs and the influence of money on politics. Learn more »
O Centro Carter organizou a conferência "O Financiamento da democracia: Partidos políticos, campanhas e eleições", em colaboração com o Fórum Interamericano sobre Partidos Políticos da Organização dos Estados Americanos. Learn more »
Members of the Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas Learn more »
Maria Teresa Riveros de Almarza is the director of public affairs and communications for Venezuela and Colombia for The Coca-Cola Company. Before holding this position, Ms. Almarza worked as corporate communications manager of Coca-Cola Venezuela, public relations director for Hilton International in Venezuela, and as membership manager of the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VenAmCham). Additionally, she coordinated committee work as vice president of the Latin American Chapter of the World Federation of Advertisement and president of the Venezuelan Advertiser Association. Ms. Almarza holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. Learn more »
The Carter Center's Guyana office is launching its second opportunity for Guyanese nonprofit organizations to apply for funding for projects focusing on regional or national policy changes. The Carter Center will award grants of up to US$10,000 each to assist eligible organizations in their projects, which may include data collection or raising public awareness. Learn more »
Bolivia Vice President Carlos Mesa, Chile Minister of the Interior Jose Insulza, Organization of American States Secretary General César Gaviria, U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, former Colombia President Andrés Pastrana, former Chile President Eduardo Frei, former Costa Rica President Miguel Angel Rodríguez, former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, and former Uruguay President Luis Alberto Lacalle are among the leaders who will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter March 17-19 at The Carter Center to address the need to restore public confidence in government by enacting laws requiring full disclose of campaign finances. Learn more »
The Carter Center deplores the escalation of violence in Caracas in the last week and deplores the bombings of the diplomatic missions of Colombia and Spain in Caracas. Learn more »
The Carter Center Guyana held a Youth Empowerment Forum Feb. 15 in Linden that was attended by more than 60 participants from Regions 10 and 4. The participants represented a wide array of youth organizations, secondary schools, and other entities focusing on youth issues, based in both rural and urban areas, ranging from Amerindian villages to the city of Georgetown. Learn more »
I wish to express my deep sadness for the violence, looting and vandalism that occurred in Bolivia. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed and injured on the streets of La Paz. Learn more »
I am pleased to see that the government and the Coordinadora have begun discussions at the Mesa de Negociaciones y Acuerdos on an electoral solution. Both sides have used the proposals that The Carter Center presented at the Mesa last week as a basis for progress and have presented their initial responses. Learn more »
On Friday, Jan. 31, the Carter Center's Guyana office will be celebrating the launch of its Resource Center, located at the Center's Guyana headquarters at 34 North and King Streets, Lacytown, in Georgetown. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana…..The Carter Center's Guyana office will award this week nearly GY$8 million to 10 small nonprofit organizations working to advance the causes of women, youth, and Amerindians. Learn more »
La oposición anuncia la finalización del paro. El Gobierno anuncia que no habrá represalias contra los trabajadores públicos que recurrieron a sus derechos sindicales. Quienes sean encontrados culpables de sabotaje o de otros delitos, serán penados conforme a la ley. Learn more »
La oposición anuncia la finalización del paro. El Gobierno anuncia que no habrá represalias contra los trabajadores públicos que recurrieron a sus derechos sindicales. Quienes sean encontrados culpables de sabotaje o de otros delitos, serán penados conforme a la ley. Learn more »
Quiero expresar al pueblo Venezolano mi profunda preocupación por el alto nivel de tensión en el que se aproximan a celebrar las Navidades y la llegada del Año Nuevo. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana….The Carter Center held a Women's Legal Empowerment Forum in New Amsterdam on Dec. 14, with a turnout of more than 60 participants from East and West Berbice. This was the first of a series of planned forums for women that will raise awareness of women's legal rights and issues and mobilize people to address the challenges facing women in realizing their full legal rights. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA….I commend the Venezuelan government and opposition grouped under the Coordinadora Democratica for opening the Table of Negotiation and Accords today to resolve the deep differences between them. Direct conversation is the best method to increase understanding and to resolve conflict peacefully. Learn more »
ATLANTA…. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter issued an open letter today inviting Latin Americans to consider making Atlanta the headquarters for the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin read President Carter's letter at a meeting of Latin American business leaders in Quito, Ecuador. Learn more »
Los países del hemisferio occidental están estrechando sus lazos hoy más que en ningún otro momento de la historia. Nuestros países mantienen entre sí acuerdos desde hace muchos años destinados a promover y proteger la seguridad mutua y, más recientemente, han afirmado el apoyo y la defensa de la democracia y de la transparencia a través de nuevos acuerdos internacionales. Los líderes de la región se reúnen asiduamente en cumbres que han resultado en acuerdos trascendentales como el Area de Libre Comercio de las Américas y la Carta Democrática. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana….The Carter Center's Guyana office announces the launch of the Small Grants Advocacy Program 2002-2003, which is being organized under the auspices of the U.S. Agency for International Development's program More Responsive and Participatory Governance and Rule of Law in Guyana. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Costa Rica President Miguel Angel Rodriguez will lead a 55-member international delegation, representing 16 countries, to observe Jamaica's national elections. The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas, which observed Jamaica's elections in 1997, were invited by the Electoral Advisory Committee and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the Oct. 16 elections. Learn more »
Kingston, Jamaica…The Carter Center, as part of its continuing observation of the Jamaica electoral process, would like to offer the following interim comments. These are based on the findings of 12 international medium term observers, who have monitored the electoral process in 24 constituencies throughout the island since nomination day, Sept. 30. Learn more »
ATLANTA….Jamaicans will no longer tolerate violence during an election period. The electoral authorities and political parties have demonstrated their interest in peaceful elections by establishing mechanisms to reduce conflict. A political ombudsman has been appointed, the Elections Centre established, and a political code of conduct signed by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Edward Seaga. These advances merit praise. Learn more »
La Misión integrada por funcionarios de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA), del Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) y del Centro Carter, concluyó hoy una visita de cinco días a Venezuela, atendiendo a invitaciones tanto del Gobierno como de los diversos sectores de la oposición agrupados en la Coordinadora Democrática. Learn more »
A mission of officials from the Organization of American States (OAS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and The Carter Center concluded a five-day visit to Venezuela today, in response to invitations from the Government and the various opposition groups in the Coordinadora Democrática. Learn more »
Atlanta....A mission of the Organization of American States (OAS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Carter Center will visit Venezuela on September 9 to 13, 2002, in response to an invitation from the government and the various opposition groups in Coordinadora Democrática. Learn more »
Kingston, Jamaica….The Carter Center continues to observe the preparations for the upcoming Jamaica parliamentary elections. The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas were invited by the Electoral Advisory Committee and welcomed by all major political parties to observe the elections. Learn more »
An open letter from Jimmy Carter Learn more »
The Carter Center has been deeply involved in Venezuela during recent years, having monitored two national elections, the drafting of a new constitution, and the referendum for public approval. We also have attempted to reduce tension in this sharply divided country, with the charismatic and unorthodox President Hugo Chavez confronted by a phalanx of opposition forces concerned about his revolutionary policies. Learn more »
The Carter Center received an invitation from the government of Venezuela, dated June 4, 2002, requesting that we visit the country and facilitate a process of dialogue. We accepted the request, consulted with the U.S. government, the OAS, and UNDP, and received their encouragement and advice. Learn more »
CARACAS, VENEZUELA....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter begins a four-day trip to Caracas today, where he will meet with political and civil society groups to discuss a process for helping to resolve the nation's political crisis. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela...At the invitation of the Government of Venezuela, a five-member delegation of The Carter Center has completed an assessment mission to the country to evaluate the conditions for a dialogue process in the current climate of uncertainty. After holding meetings with Venezuelans representing key sectors of society and branches of government, as well as the Vice President and President, the delegation has been impressed by the deep commitment to democracy and strong support among Venezuelans for a peaceful resolution to the divisions within the country. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela.... A raíz de la invitación cursada por el Gobierno de Venezuela, una delegación de cinco miembros del Centro Carter realizó una misión al país con el propósito de evaluar las condiciones para un proceso de diálogo en el clima de incertidumbre existente. Learn more »
In response to a request last week from the Venezuela government to former U. S. President Jimmy Carter to facilitate a national dialogue, The Carter Center will send a small assessment team to Caracas June 24-29, 2002, to form a recommendation to President Carter on whether to accept this invitation. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA…. Ante una solicitud formulado la semana pasada por el gobierno venezolano al ex presidente de los Estados Unidos, Jimmy Carter, proponiéndole facilitar el proceso de diálogo nacional; el Centro Carter enviará una pequeña delegación que estará en Caracas entre los días 24 y 29 de junio. Dicha misión estará a cargo de estudiar la situación a fin de recomendar al ex presidente Carter si aceptar o no la invitación. La delegación planea reunirse con autoridades gubernamentales, partidos políticos, dirigentes sindicales y empresarios, organizaciones no gubernamentales, representantes de los medios de comunicación y con los mandatarios de la Iglesia. La misión estará conformada por el Dr. Leonel Fernández, ex presidente de la República Dominicana; la Dra. Jennifer McCoy, directora del Programa de las Américas del Centro Carter; el Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, director del Programa de Resolución de Conflicto del Centro Carter; el Dr. Francisco Diez, experto internacional en mediación y la Dra. Laura Neuman, Oficial Principal del Programa de las Américas del Centro Carter. El Dr. Fernández es miembro del Consejo de Presidentes y Primeros Ministros de las Américas, un grupo de ex Jefes de Estado cuya base se encuentra en el Centro Carter, que trabaja para promover la paz y la democracia en el hemisferio. Learn more »
Rosalynn and I lament the passing of Fernando Belaunde Terry, a friend and colleague. Former President Belaunde was a man of honor who restored democracy in Peru. Learn more »
The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers in the Americas are pleased to accept the invitation from the Electoral Advisory Committee to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. The Carter Center was privileged to observe the 1997 elections and to continue working in Jamaica on transparency and democracy-building initiatives. The forthcoming Jamaican elections are a priority for The Carter Center, and President Carter hopes to lead a 40-50 member election observation delegation. Learn more »
The Carter Center and its Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers of the Americas have accepted the invitation from the Electoral Advisory Committee of Jamaica to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. Learn more »
El texto de la Conferencia de Carter y lo que sucedió antes y después en la Aula Magna de la Universidad de La Habana el 14 de mayo, 2002 Learn more »
THE CARTER CENTER is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife,Rosalynn, in 1982 to advance peace and health worldwide. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Center has helped to improve quality of life for people in more than 65 countries. Its staff of 150 includes experts working to control and eradicate diseases, diminish the stigma against mental illness, strengthen democracy, advance human rights, and improve development planning. Learn more »
Accepting an invitation from Cuba President Fidel Castro, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will head a Carter Center delegation to Cuba May 12-17. Learn more »
My heart goes out to the Venezuelan people who have suffered the turmoil of the last four days, and especially to the families of those who were killed. Learn more »
Following The Carter Center's Development Cooperation Forum in which leaders said the world is not on target for cutting global poverty in half by 2015, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will address international leaders Tuesday at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey, Mexico. Learn more »
Atlanta... In this difficult political moment, I want to express my support for the Argentine people and my sincere regret for the recent violence and consequent loss of life. Argentina remains a valued member of the democratic community of nation states, and the Argentine people will find support from citizens across the hemisphere as they seek a way forward. I have confidence that the Argentine people and their leaders will find a peaceful solution to current challenges through established democratic procedures, reflecting the country's respect for human rights and civil liberties. Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua… Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will arrive in Managua on Friday, November 2 and former Costa Rica President Oscar Arias will arrive Saturday, November 3 to lead The Carter Center's election-monitoring mission to the November 4, 2001 Nicaraguan elections. Learn more »
Managua, Nicaragua… El ex-presidente estadounidense Jimmy Carter llegará a Managua el viernes 2 de noviembre y el ex-presidente costaricense Oscar Arias llegará el sabado 3 de noviembre para encabezar la misión del Centro Carter para observar las elecciones presidenciales en Nicaragua el 4 de noviembre. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA… Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will lead a Carter Center delegation to Nicaragua to observe its November 4th presidential elections. Prior to his visit, the Center will send a second pre-election assessment team to Managua September 27, 2001, led by former Peru President Valentín Paniagua, former US Ambassador Gwen Clare, and Dr. Shelley McConnell of The Carter Center. Learn more »
ATLANTA, Ga… El ex-presidente estadounidense Jimmy Carter, encabezará una delegación del Centro Carter para observar las elecciones presidenciales en Nicaragua el 4 de noviembre. Previo a su visita, el Centro enviará a Managua una misión de evaluación liderada por el ex presidente peruano Valentín Paniagua, la ex-embajadora estadounidense en el Ecuador Gwen Clare, y la Dra. Shelley McConnell del Centro Carter. Learn more »
ATLANTA, Ga….In a report released today, The Carter Center praised the political climate in Nicaragua in preparation for its November presidential election. Nicaragua's Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) has made substantial progress toward holding a good election, the report stated, including assisting voters with registration and identification documents through the Complementary Plan for Citizen Cedulation, accrediting political parties, registering candidates for office, and verifying the voters list. The report also commends civil society groups, such as Ethics and Transparency, that are organizing for election observation and civic education efforts. Learn more »
LIMA.....In a report released today, the joint post-electoral observation mission of the National Democratic Institute and The Carter Center called Peru's 2001 elections an "extraordinary accomplishment in the process of returning Peru to the world community of democracies. Learn more »
This statement is offered by the joint National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center international election observer delegation to Peru’s June 3, 2001, presidential runoff election. This was the ninth multinational NDI/Carter Center delegation to Peru since November 1999. The delegation, which visited Peru from May 30-June 5, included 35 members from 12 countries and was led by: Madeleine K. Albright, Chairman of NDI and former Secretary of State of the United States; Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala and current Vice President of Guatemala’s Legislative Assembly; Rodrigo Carazo Odio, former President of Costa Rica; and Sam Gejdenson, former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and ranking Member of the House International Relations Committee. Learn more »
I am honored to speak to you on behalf of the joint National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center international election observer delegation. I am happy to have returned to NDI upon leaving government. It is an organization that I helped found in 1983 and which I have watched closely over the years as it has worked to advance democracy worldwide. I am also pleased that this is a joint delegation with The Carter Center. We are proud of our collaborative effort in Peru over the last 18 months, and I would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of President Carter and The Carter Center around the globe. NDI and The Carter Center have worked well together in many countries over the years, just as the two institutions have advanced their work separately on many fronts. Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today announced it will send a delegation to observe the June 3 Peruvian presidential run-off election. The 35-member multinational delegation will be led by Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State; Rodrigo Carazo Odio, former President of Costa Rica; Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala; and Sam Gejdenson, former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Learn more »
La misión de observación electoral del Instituto Nacional Demócrata(NDI)/Centro Carter en Perú ha continuado observando el entorno electoral previo a la segunda vuelta presidencial. Además de mantener una presencia permanente en Lima, los observadores de largo plazo están realizando viajes a Arequipa, Cuzco, Puno, Tarapoto, Piura, Chiclayo, Trujillo e Iquitos para observar los desarrollos electorales en estas zonas del país. Learn more »
Twenty-eight former presidents and prime ministers from the Western Hemisphere appealed to heads of state at the Summit of the Americas here today to take action to safeguard democracy in the region. Learn more »
The National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center observer delegation today expressed "admiration" for the conduct of Peru's national elections on Sunday, saying Peruvians had "demonstrated a solid commitment to truly democratic elections." Learn more »
This statement is offered by the joint National Democratic Institute (NDI)/Carter Center international election observer delegation to Peru's April 8, 2001, extraordinary presidential and congressional elections. The delegation, which visited Peru from April 4-10, included 35 members from 11 countries and was led by: Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States; Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala and current Vice President of Guatemala's Legislative Assembly; Eni Faleomavaega, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives; and Peter McPherson, President of Michigan State University and former Administrator of USAID under the Reagan Administration. Learn more »
Esta declaración ha sido elaborada por la Delegación de Observación Electoral Internacional Conjunta del Instituto Nacional Demócrata (NDI)/ Centro Carter al Perú para las elecciones presidenciales y congresales extraordinarias del 8 de Abril de 2001. La Delegación visitó el Perú del 4 al 10 de Abril, incluyó 35 miembros de 11 países, y fue encabezada por el Sr. Jimmy Carter, ex-presidente de los Estados Unidos; Ramiro de León Carpio, ex-presidente de Guatemala y actual vicepresidente del Congreso de Guatemala; Eni Faleomavaega, miembro de la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos; y Peter McPherson, Rector de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan y Administrador de la Agencia de los EE.UU. para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) durante el mandato del Presidente Reagan. Learn more »
Lima, Peru....On behalf of The Carter Center and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), I want to say our joint delegation is honored to be in Peru to observe this historic election. Learn more »
A nombre del Centro Carter y el Instituto Nacional Demscrata para Asuntos Internacionales (NDI) quisiera decir que es un honor para nuestra delegacisn conjunta observar esta eleccisn histsrica. Learn more »
The final report from the Carter Center's observation of the 2000 Venezuela elections and the 1999 constitutional assembly calls for reforms to electoral procedures to build voter confidence in the process and avoid deficiencies that flawed the July 2000 elections. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center today announced its delegation that will observe the April 8th Peruvian legislative and presidential elections. The 35-member multinational delegation will be led by Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States, Ramiro de Leon Carpio, former President of Guatemala and current Vice President of Guatemala's Legislative Assembly, Eni Faleomavaega, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Peter McPherson, President of Michigan State University and former Administrator of USAID under the Reagan Administration. The delegation will include elected officials, electoral and human rights experts and civil society leaders from 11 countries in Europe and the Americas. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA...El Instituto Nacional Demócrata (NDI) y el Centro Carter (TCC) anunciaron hoy día la delegación que observará las elecciones peruanas legislativas y presidenciales del 8 de abril. La delegación multi-nacional de 40 miembros estará liderada por Jimmy Carter, ex-presidente de los Estados Unidos; Ramiro de León Carpio, ex -presidente de Guatemala; Eni Faleomavaega, miembro de la Cámara de Diputados de los Estados Unidos; y Peter McPherson, Presidente de la Universidad del Estado de Michigan y ex-Administrador de la Agencia de Desarollo Internacional de Los Estados Unidos (USAID) en el gobierno de Ronald Reagan. La delegación incluirá a funcionarios electos, expertos en asuntos electorales y derechos humanos y líderes de la sociedad civil de 11 paises de Europa y las Américas Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA... On Wednesday, March 21, 2001, The Carter Center issued a press release with an attached statement drafted by President Carter. President Carter had shared a draft of the statement with the two main political party presidential candidates on Wednesday morning before leaving Guyana. While neither presidential candidate signed the statement, both indicated verbally to President Carter that they supported the content of the document. Learn more »
Georgetown, Guyana....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter drafted the attached statement and presented it to President Bharrat Jagdeo and to former President Desmond Hoyte. Both leaders and their associates approved the text and pledged to implement its provisions as expeditiously as possible. Learn more »
On March 20, 2001, the day after the March 19 elections in Guyana, The Carter Center issued a preliminary statement about the electoral process. The statement characterized the elections up through the balloting process in positive terms, saying that the process was generally peaceful and orderly and that there were no irregularities at the vast majority of the polling sites visited by Carter Center observers. However, the Center's statement noted that observers reported significant confusion surrounding the closing of polls, at least in the Georgetown area, due to conflicting information from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the media, and others regarding the possibility of extending voting beyond the scheduled 6:00pm closing time. In addition, while noting that the political parties had expressed concerns about the accuracy of the final voters list, the statement reported that it was difficult at that time to ascertain the magnitude of the problem. Finally, the statement echoed the sentiment of many Guyanese that the elections alone are not sufficient to solve the nation's problems. Learn more »
The Carter Center would like to commend the Guyanese people for their conduct and participation in yesterday's elections and present this preliminary statement on the electoral process. Learn more »
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA... I am pleased to return to Guyana to observe these important elections. As many of you know, The Carter Center observed the elections here in 1992 and has remained active in supporting political and economic development in Guyana ever since. Learn more »
March 9, 2001 Peru's interim government has established the necessary conditions for a free, transparent and legitimate election, according to a team of election observers from the National Democratic Institute and The Carter Center who visited Lima this week to assess the election process and offer recommendations. Learn more »
El gobierno interino del Perú ha establecido las condiciones necesarias para elecciones libres, transparentes y legítimas, según la delegación del Instituto Nacional Demócrata y del Centro Carter que estuvo en Lima esta semana para evaluar el proceso electoral. También informaron que los ex-presidentes Jimmy Carter de los Estados Unidos y Ramiro de León Carpio de Guatemala, junto con Peter McPherson, Presidente de Michigan State University y ex-Administrador de la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID), encabezarán una delegación de aproximadamente 30 observadores electorales para monitorear los comicios del 8 de abril. Learn more »
Lima, Peru -- January 26, 2001: An international pre-election delegation organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center issued a 9-page statement at a press conference today in Lima. The six-member delegation included persons from five countries and was led by former President of Guatemala and present Vice President of the Congress of Guatemala, Ramiro de Leon Carpio. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA...The Carter Center announced today it will observe Guyana's Parliamentary elections scheduled for March 19, 2001. A field office for the project will be opened soon to organize pre-election observation activities and prepare for deployment of a 30-person team on election day. Learn more »
The Carter Center has followed election processes in Nicaragua since 1989, including the January 2000 reform of the electoral law and subsequent reorganization of the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE). As in 1990 and 1996, The Center was invited by the CSE to monitor the municipal elections scheduled for November 5, 2000. In order to better understand the conditions for the municipal vote and developments pertaining to the presidential elections scheduled for 2001, the Center sent three election experts to Managua, Nicaragua from September 26 - October 1, 2000. Learn more »
El Centro Carter ha seguido de cerca el desarrollo de los procesos electorales en Nicaragua desde 1989, incluyendo la reforma de la ley electoral EN enero del 2000 y la subsiguiente reorganización del Consejo Supremo Electoral (CSE). El Centro ha sido invitado por el CSE, tal como en 1990 y 1996, a monitorear las elecciones municipales programadas para el 5 de noviembre del 2000. Con el objeto de comprender mejor las condiciones para el voto municipal y los procesos relacionados con las elecciones presidenciales del 2001, el Centro envió una delegación de tres expertos en elecciones a Managua, Nicaragua, del 26 de septiembre al 1o. de octubre del 2000. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... Colombia Foreign Minister Guillermo Fernandez de Soto, Belize Prime Minister Said Musa, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Peter Romero, former Argentina President Raul Alfonsin, and former Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez are among the leaders who will join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Oct. 16-18 at The Carter Center to address challenges to democracy in Latin America. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela…A 48-member international delegation observed the July 30 elections in 16 states and the Federal District. The Carter Center observers visited more than 270 mesas. Our observers were welcomed throughout the country by the Venezuelan authorities and citizens. Learn more »
Caracas, Venezuela…. Es un honor para Rosalynn y para mí estar aquí representando al Consejo de Presidentes y Primer Ministros de las Américas, acompañados por el ex-presidente de Costa Rica Rodrigo Carazo y el ex-presidente de Uruguay Luis Alberto Lacalle en un momento tan importante en la historia de Venezuela. Learn more »
At the invitation of the major political parties and the government of Mexico and with the welcome of the Federal Election Institute, the Latin American and the Caribbean Program (LACP) of the Carter Center, representing the Council of Presidents and Prime Ministers, dispatched an exploratory mission to Mexico on June 12-14, 2000 to assess the electoral process and propose a strategy to monitor the elections of July 2nd. Led by Dr. Robert Pastor, former Director of the LACP, and Dr. Shelley McConnell, Associate Director of the LACP, the four-member team met with senior party officials, members of the government, IFE, the Electoral Tribunal, and diplomats. Learn more »
Three former leaders of the Americas are calling on the Organization of American States to declare that Peru's elections did not meet democratic standards and to send a team to Peru to seek ways for the country to restore a democratic electoral process. Learn more »
Since last December, four successive observer missions, sponsored jointly by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Carter Center, have pointed to fundamental flaws in Peru's electoral process. Learn more »
The Carter Center continues to observe the electoral process, postponed since May 25th. At that time, we applauded the decision to postpone the "Mega-elections" so that electoral authorities could have the opportunity to better prepare and inform the citizens of Venezuela about their election options and how to vote. The resignation and reselection of the Consejo Nacional Electoral was a step toward credibility. Learn more »
The International Observer Delegation sponsored by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center offers this Preliminary Statement on the May 16, 2000 presidential elections in the Dominican Republic. Learn more »
This statement is offered by an international pre-election delegation to Peru, organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center. The delegation visited Peru from April 30 through May 5, 2000. This is the fourth in a series of NDI/Carter Center delegations that have observed Peru's election process thus far. In addition, the National Democratic Institute and The Carter Center organized an assessment team for the April 9 elections and have maintained a continuous monitoring presence in Peru since January, which will continue until after the second round of the presidential election. NDI and The Carter Center will organize an international assessment team for the presidential runoff election on May 28, and another joint delegation is likely to visit the country in the period immediately following the runoff, in order to more fully assess the entire electoral process. Learn more »
This statement is offered by an international pre-election delegation to Peru, organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and The Carter Center. The delegation visited Peru from March 17 through March 24, 2000. This is the third in a series of NDI/Carter Center delegations that have observed the pre-election period. In addition, The Carter Center and NDI have established a continuous presence in Peru from January until after the elections. Another NDI/Carter Center delegation is likely to visit the country in the period immediately following the April 9 elections, in order to more fully assess the entire electoral process. Learn more »
This statement is offered by an international pre-election delegation to Peru, organized jointly by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and The Carter Center. The delegation visited Peru from February 7 through February 11, 2000. This is the second in a planned series of three NDI/Carter Center delegations that will observe the pre-election period. In addition, The Carter Center and NDI have established a continuous presence in Peru from January until after the elections in April 2000, in order to more fully assess the entire electoral process. Learn more »
Atlanta, GA...The Carter Center announced today that it has received the largest project-specific cash grants in its history - totaling nearly $30 million over the next ten years – from the Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA....We congratulate the Venezuelan people for their enthusiastic participation in yesterday's election, and for their demonstration of faith in the democratic process. They voted calmly and peacefully, but definitively for change. We congratulate Venezuela's National Electoral Council and all of those who worked to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process. The automated vote count system -- the first national electronic system in the hemisphere – brought a new level of transparency and confidence to the process. Learn more »
Former heads of state from the Western Hemisphere and regional experts on Latin America will meet at The Carter Center on March 25 for the conference "Securing Democracies in the Americas: Preparing for the Santiago Summit." Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... The Carter Center's electoral observation mission to Nicaragua wishes to express its admiration for the peaceful and civic way in which the people and political parties of Nicaragua have participated in all phases of the vote count process since the Oct. 20 national elections. After an exhaustive review and correction of the polling station (JRV) results in each of the 17 departmental headquarters, the Supreme Electoral Council announced provisional election results on Nov. 8. Although the outcome of the presidential election is unlikely to be affected, the official winners of all six elections will be declared only at the end of the appeals and resolutions phase of the process, expected to be completed by Nov. 20. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... An international observer delegation sponsored by the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government, based at the Carter Center, and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) will arrive in Santo Domingo on Thursday, June 27, to observe the June 30 second round presidential election. The delegation will include election experts, and political, business and civic leaders from 12 countries in the Americas and Asia. Learn more »
ATLANTA, GA.... An international election observer delegation organized by the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government, based at The Carter Center, and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) will arrive in Santo Domingo on Sunday, May 12, to begin preparations for observing the May 16 presidential election. The delegation will include election experts, political and civic leaders, and democratic development experts from 11 countries throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Former Colombian President Belisario Betancur and former Guatemalan President Ramiro de Leon Carpio will lead the delegation. Learn more »
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