New leader in Colombia Contributions from member organizations |
|
|
|
National Civil Registry (RNEC) of Colombia |
|
|
|
New National Registrar of the National Civil Registry Hernán Penagos Giraldo |
|
|
|
Since the commencement of December 2023, the National Civil Registry (RNEC) has been entrusted to the capable leadership of its newly appointed National Registrar, Hernán Penagos Giraldo. He was elected through a rigorous merit-based competition overseen by the high courts of the country, including the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the Council of State. Penagos is committed to enhancing the public value of civil identification and electoral processes. Additionally, he is set to assume the role of Vice President and preside over the next General Assembly of the upcoming year as the Chairperson of A-WEB. |
|
|
|
New National Registrar Hernán Penagos Giraldo |
|
|
|
Expressing his vision for the RNEC, Penagos asserted, "Our administration aims to elevate it to the pinnacle of technical expertise and efficiency in Colombia. The National Civil Registry must become the most trusted institution, as the guardian of democracy and the facilitator of future electoral processes."
Dr. Hernán Penagos brings a wealth of legal expertise to his role, having specialized in administrative law from Caldas University and public services domiciliaries from the Externado University of Colombia. Furthermore, he holds a Master's Degree in Constitutional Justice and Human Rights from the University of Bologna in Italy.
Penagos has also had an extensive career in public service, elected President of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the Republic and of the National Electoral Council (CNE). His experience also includes roles as a Deputy and President of the Assembly of Caldas and as an external advisor to the Ombudsman's Office.
In the realm of academia, Dr. Hernán Penagos has imparted his knowledge as a professor of Electoral Systems and Processes in Post-Conflict Scenarios at the University Sergio Arboleda. He has also taught Political and Electoral Rights courses at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina and Administrative Law at the University of Manizales. Notably, he authorized two books: "Más Partidos Menos Democracia" and "El Estatuto de la Oposición."
In extending a warm greeting to all members of A-WEB, Dr. Hernán Penagos expresses gratitude for their anticipated support in the forthcoming projects. He emphasizes his commitment to strengthening international electoral cooperation and reminds the members that they are steadfast allies in the RNEC. |
|
|
|
Central Election Commission of Georgia |
|
|
|
CEC of Georgia Receives Three Prestigious International Awards |
|
|
|
Mr. Giorgi Kalandarishvili, the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Georgia, was honored with awards in three distinguished categories - "Electoral Commission of the Year," "Election Management," and "Electoral Conflict Management" (supporting inclusive electoral processes). The accolades were presented at a ceremony hosted by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) during the 19th International Electoral Affairs Symposium in Lisbon, Portugal, held from November 14 to 15.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Giorgi Kalandarishvili stated, "The Election Administration (EA) of Georgia received awards in three categories, including the prestigious title of the best election administration. This significant achievement underscores that the activities of the EA Georgia adhere to proper, fair, and transparent standards in line with international norms. It further reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the 2024 and subsequent elections are conducted at an exceptionally professional level. My heartfelt congratulations to all election administrators; this accomplishment results from our collective effort. I am confident that each successive election in our country will be even better through continued collaboration."
Matt Gokhool, Chief Executive of the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), praised the CEC's achievements, stating, "This well-deserved award is universal and international recognition that Georgia has rightfully earned. In recent years, the CEC has demonstrated its status as a world-class election administration."
The awards ceremony marked the conclusion of the two-day symposium, during which participants engaged in discussions on vital topics such as "Elections amid Pandemic – Lessons Learned During COVID-19," "Future of Elections – Voter Identification, Biometric Data, and Electronic Voting," and "Combatting Disinformation: Strategies for Protection of Election Integrity."
During his presentation, Mr. Giorgi Kalandarishvili provided insights into the work of the EA of Georgia. In a session focused on the future of elections and electronic voting, he elaborated on the Commission's experiences and initiatives in adopting technologies. Emphasizing the importance of voter information, he addressed challenges related to disinformation on election topics and stressed the significance of informing voters about election technologies while debunking existing myths. |
|
|
|
National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea |
|
|
|
Meeting between SG of the NEC Korea and Kazakh Ambassador |
|
|
|
On December 1, Mr. Yong-bin Kim, the Secretary General of the National Election Commission (NEC) of the Republic of Korea, had a meeting with Mr. Arystanov Nurgali, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea. The newly-appointed Kazakh Ambassador visited the NEC Secretariat to discuss democracy in Korea and promote cooperation between the two nations.
The Kazakh Ambassador expressed pride in the robust friendship between the two countries, exemplified by the presence of many Koryoin (ethnic Koreans in post-Soviet states descended from Koreans) residing in Kazakhstan. He highlighted the 100th anniversary of the Koryo Ilbo and the Koryo Theatre as significant cultural milestones. Moreover, the Ambassador noted thriving exchanges at the highest levels, citing visits by the Speaker of Mazhilis (the lower house) of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and the Minister of Internal Affairs to Korea during the year. The Ambassador conveyed the desire of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the Republic of Kazakhstan to expand exchanges with the NEC of the Republic of Korea.
Secretary General Kim acknowledged the close collaboration between the two countries in election-related matters. Given that the election commissions of both nations are members of A-WEB, he expressed his anticipation for continued cooperation and exchanges to uphold democratic values.
During the meeting, the Ambassador invited the NEC of the Republic of Korea to an international conference hosted by the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The NEC participated in the event online and had a meaningful discussion. |
|
|
|
From left, Second Secretary of the Kazakhstan Embassy in Korea, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Korea, Secretary General of the NEC Korea, Chief Election Policy Officer of the NEC Korea |
|
|
|
News from the A-WEB Secretariat |
|
|
|
30th Anniversary Conference in the Republic of Kazakhstan |
|
|
|
On December 7, Dr. In-sik Jang, the Secretary-General of A-WEB, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Central Election Commission (CEC) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, celebrating its remarkable 30 years since its establishment. Dr. Jang conveyed his sincere congratulations on this significant milestone, expressing confidence that the upcoming Conference titled "Constitutional Reform and Electoral System," organized by the CEC Kazakhstan, will be a resounding success. |
|
|
|
Participation in Electoral Stakeholder Forum VI (AESF6) in Kathmandu, Nepal
|
|
|
|
The A-WEB Secretariat participated in the Electoral Stakeholder Forum VI (AESF6) in Kathmandu, Nepal, hosted by the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) and the Election Commission of Nepal.
The inaugural ceremony took place on 6 December 2023, where the Chief Electoral Commissioner of Nepal, the Hon. Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya, ANFREL Chairperson Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi, and the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Mr. Naryan Prakash Saud gave their remarks.
Dr. Seung Kim, Assistant Secretary General of A-WEB, delivered a presentation on "The Use of Advances in Technology in Enhancing Voter Education, Citizen Mobilization, and Election Observation" during a Parallel Discussion Session focused on the "Use of Alternative Voting Mechanisms and Technology in Increasing Political Participation." Dr. Kim introduced A-WEB, emphasizing the significance of technology not only on election day but also as a tool for promoting citizens' electoral and political participation on a daily basis.
Throughout the two-day event, the A-WEB Secretariat delegation engaged in discussions with representatives from member Election Management Bodies (EMBs) such as the Election Commission of Maldives, Election Commission of India (ECI), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the National Electoral Commission (CNE) of Timor Leste. Additionally, they interacted with delegates from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other international organizations.
During the closing ceremony, Dr. Seung Kim provided a brief statement highlighting the importance of platforms like AESF. Drawing on A-WEB's experience co-hosting AESF5 with ANFREL in 2021 amidst the pandemic, Dr. Kim underscored how the event served as a timely opportunity for electoral stakeholders to unite, share challenges and successes, and seek cooperation. He emphasized that the collaboration among EMBs, CSOs, NGOs, and International Organizations defines the essence of the Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum. A-WEB remains committed to advancing international cooperation with member and partner organizations to promote the exchange of best practices and knowledge in democracy and electoral management.
|
|
|
|
Visit to the Election Commission of Nepal
|
|
|
|
On December 5, 2023, a delegation from the A-WEB Secretariat, led by Dr. Seung Kim, Assistant Secretary General, undertook a visit to the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN).
The delegation engaged in a constructive meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal, Hon. Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya, along with the Commissioners and the Secretary General of the ECN. During the meeting, the A-WEB delegation provided a comprehensive overview of the Association, highlighting its core activities and elucidating the detailed application process for prospective members.
Dr. Seung Kim elaborated on how A-WEB membership serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and fostering international cooperation in electoral management and democracy. The A-WEB Secretariat underscored the potential benefits the Election Commission of Nepal could accrue through active participation in the Association's collaborative initiatives. |
|
|
|
The Launching Ceremony of the “Special Issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs: SAFEGUARDING EMBS IN THE AGE OF DEMOCRATIC RECESSION”
|
|
|
|
On November 30, the Chairperson of A-WEB, Mr. Mosotho Moepya, who also serves as the the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa, presided over the Launching Ceremony of the “Special Issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs: SAFEGUARDING EMBS IN THE AGE OF DEMOCRATIC RECESSION.” This event marked a significant milestone in the A-WEB initiatives of “Legacy Projects.”
The special issue critically examines trends, effects, and future implications, providing valuable insights that will serve as a guideline to deter or even overcome the challenges associated with democratic recession.
The inaugural copy of the Journal was presented to the Secretariat of A-WEB. In his Vote of Thanks, the Chairperson expressed that the special issue aims to make a substantial impact by being distributed to all member Election Management Bodies of A-WEB. The objective is to collectively confront and address the challenges posed by democratic recession or backsliding within the international community.
The whole journal is availabe at a brief article below:
http://aweb.org/eng/bbs/B0000013/view.do?nttId=16024&searchCnd=&searchWrd=&gubun=1&delcode=0&useAt=&replyAt=&menuNo=300041&sdate=&edate=&deptId=&isk=&ise=&viewType=&type=&countrySn=&pageIndex=1
|
| |
|
|
The 25th Annual General Conference of ECF-SADC in Cape Town, South Africa
|
|
|
|
On November 28, 2023, the A-WEB Secretariat attended the 25th Annual General Conference of the Electoral Commissions Forum of the Southern African Development Community (ECF-SADC), held in Cape Town, South Africa. Notably, the Forum was inaugurated in Cape Town in 1998, the legislative capital of South Africa, where its parliament is situated.
Dr. Seung Kim, Assistant Secretary General, extended congratulatory remarks on the 25th anniversary of the Forum. Dr. Kim introduced A-WEB and its overarching vision to foster transparent, fair, and participatory elections globally in his address. His audience comprised 150 participants and guests at the Conference, representing ECF-SADC member Election Management Bodies (EMBs), academia, and international organizations dedicated to electoral democracy.
Dr. Kim highlighted the shared vision between A-WEB and ECF-SADC, expressing optimism about creating synergy through collaboration in voter education, election management capacity building, and election observation. This collaborative effort, he emphasized, could contribute significantly to advancing the goals of both the Association and the Forum.
|
| |
|
|
Guest Lecture at Universidad de San Francisco de Quito
|
|
|
|
On November 30, 2023, Ms. Ina Kim Lee, Senior Researcher of the External Team at A-WEB Secretariat, responded to an invitation from Professor Règis Dandoy of the University of San Francisco. She delivered a compelling guest lecture to students of the Faculty of Political Sciences, introducing A-WEB and its extensive global undertakings.
Ms. Ina Kim Lee initiated the lecture by laying a theoretical foundation that contextualized the role of international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in global governance. She then proceeded to introduce A-WEB, elucidating its vision, mission, and the diverse activities conducted by the Secretariat. The lecture’s main focus was on A-WEB’s Election Visitor Program and offering valuable insights into the logistics of organizing observation missions across member countries.
The students actively engaged in the lecture posing insightful questions, exploring topics such as the necessary measures to observe in challenging environments like prisons and restricted regions. The discussion also touched upon the selection process of observers, reflecting the interest of the students in the work for democracy and elections. |
|
|
|
The Secretariat requests that members of A-WEB pay the annual membership fee of USD 10,000 for the year 2023. Each member has its own account and the annual membership fee paid by a member is managed individually.
To inform the Secretariat of the completion of the transfer, all members who have finalized the transaction are requested to send a copy of the remittance receipt issued by the bank to the Secretariat via aweb131014@gmail.com: the document should include information such as sender name, amount sent and date of transfer.
For any questions regarding the membership fee, please feel free to contact the Secretariat at aweb131014@gmail.com as well. more details |
|
|
|
Copyright © 2015 Association of World Election Bodies |
|
|
|
1911, 19F, main building of Michuhol Tower, 12 Gaetbeol-ro (Songdo IBD), Yeonsu-gu, Incheon Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea(21999)
Tel : +82 32 930 7200 Fax : +82 32 930 7299 Email : aweb131014@gmail.com
For subscription inquiry, please send an email to awebcommunications@gmail.com.
Unsubscribe |
|
|
|
|
