IFES

Last week, as part of , IFES partnered with Microsoft to host "Making Data Deliver for All: Exploring Accessible Elections Technology," a conversation on how technology can better serve voters with disabilities.

The discussion centered on ElectionPATHS (Election Platform for Accessibility through Human Rights and Security), the dynamic new global database developed by IFES and Microsoft to catelogue election technologies and spotlight their accessibility features.

As election technology continues to evolve, tools like ElectionPATHS can help election officials, disability rights advocates, technology providers, and observers make more informed decisions about what technology they are using.

One message resonated throughout the conversation: accessibility should be built into election technology from the beginning, NOT added as an afterthought.

By bringing together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector, the event underscored the importance of collaboration to advance more transparent, accessible, and inclusive election systems worldwide.

We are so grateful to our colleagues at Microsoft and to the many experts whose insights and commitment are helping move this work forward.

The countdown is on! Armenia will hold National Assembly election on June 7.

These elections are an important test of Armenia’s ability to consolidate its democratic gains since 2018 while managing intense polarization and complex security challenges. Learn all about these elections via the IFES Election FAQs -- link in comments.

IFES Armenia

📣 IFES will be in New York for !

🗓️ On June 9, join IFES Senior Global Advisor Virginia Atkinson and Global Advisor for Democratic Resilience & Data Analytics Dr. Cassandra Emmons for a conversation on ElectionPATHS, IFES’ newest global database on accessible election technology.

ElectionPATHS was designed to bring greater transparency to the accessibility features of election technologies on the market today, helping election practitioners, disability rights advocates, and technology providers make more informed decisions.

As IFES explores the future of the platform, we want your input:
• How can ElectionPATHS expand?
• Where are the biggest implementation gaps?
• What tools and data would be most valuable to the field?

📅 June 9 | 2:00 PM EDT
📍 | In-person (NYC) + online participation available

Join the conversation and help shape the future of accessible election technology.

RSVP (in-person and virtual) at link in comments! ⤵️

IFES is so honored to be recognized on the Forbes list as one of the leading innovators and impact-makers in Accessibility. And of course, we couldn't do it without Virginia Atkinson!

The Forbes Accessibility 200 highlights the biggest innovators and impact-makers in accessibility, from juggernauts like Microsoft to VC-seeking startups. Based on more than 700 interviews and input from an expert advisory board across all sectors of business and society, the list highlights companies, individuals, and organizations that make the world more available to everyone.

Full list in comments. ⤵️

PICTURED: IFES CEO Tony Banbury (center) with IFES Senior Global Advisor for Inclusion Virginia Atkinson (left) and Michael Pichler of the Zero Project while at the Zero Project Conference 2026, the legendary global convening for disability inclusion innovation.

In 2014, IFES presented its Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award to María Corina Machado.

At the time, the Maduro regime had barred her from leaving the country, and she accepted the award in absentia.

Today, IFES was honored to welcome the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate to our Washington offices for the first time.

In the face of enormous hardship and repression, María Corina Machado has embodied the determination of the Venezuelan people to secure their freedom, rebuild their democracy, and reclaim their national dignity.

IFES is proud to stand with María Corina Machado and all those working to advance freedom in Venezuela.

This week, the IFES team in Dhaka met with Bangladesh Parliamentary Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Veer Bikram to discuss support for newly elected Members of Parliament as they begin the work of serving the people of Bangladesh.

Together with officials from the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat, discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary effectiveness - from improving verification and oversight processes, to increasing the participation of women MPs, to accelerating parliamentary activity at the start of the new term.

Bangladesh’s successful elections earlier this year drew global attention. But elections are only the beginning. The long-term strength of democracy depends on effective institutions, capable representatives, and public confidence that governance can deliver.

🚺In 2016, IFES published a groundbreaking framework to assess, monitor, and respond to violence against women in elections (VAWE).

A decade later, the challenge has evolved. So the response has to evolve as well.

This month, drawing on 10 years of implementation and lessons learned, IFES has released an updated edition of "Violence Against Women in Elections: A Framework for Assessment, Monitoring, and Response."

The new framework streamlines VAWE data collection and analysis, while expanding its focus on online violence, gendered disinformation, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in amplifying these threats during electoral processes.

As technology reshapes political communication, protecting women’s political participation is more urgent than ever.

Download the full report — link in comments. ⤵️

Accessibility is central to democratic participation, public service delivery, and equal opportunity.

This week in Sri Lanka, an Accessibility Audit Report for the Ministry of Labour was formally handed over to government officials. This was an important step toward identifying and addressing barriers faced by persons with disabilities. IFES is proud to have supported this effort alongside national partners.

Inclusive institutions do not happen by accident. They require deliberate assessment, practical reforms, and sustained commitment.

News article in comments! ⤵️