Chatham House: ‘US 2020 Elections: How Will Citizens Vote?’ - 20 October 2020, 18.00-19.00 (BST)

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US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated a widespread adoption of mail-in balloting would lead to voter fraud, while officials on the other side of the aisle claim it is the only way to safely vote in the midst of a pandemic.

Is the USPS adequately prepared to manage an influx of ballots? Will objections to mail-in ballots lead to voter suppression? How do you restore confidence amongst citizens that their votes will be counted? How do these concerns compare to structural considerations – such as available resources and mismanagement – in impeding the democratic process?

Drawing on his research in his latest book, Election Meltdown, Professor Richard L Hasen, Chancellor’s Professor of Law and Political Science at University California Irvine, joins us to discuss the extent of voter suppression in the US and whether an expansion of voting by mail will enfranchise more US citizens.

Commonwealth: ‘Legislative responses and law enforcement in a COVID-19 Commonwealth’ - 20 October 2020, 13.30-15.00 (BST)

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This webinar will focus on how legislative responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have affected democracy across the Commonwealth. Panellists will discuss the different legislative approaches adopted by Commonwealth member countries, and cases in which the enforcement of emergency legislation has led to the infringement of constitutional rights, abuse of police powers and discrimination against vulnerable groups. The panel will also discuss good practice in enforcing public health legislation while respecting the rule of law.

The discussion will culminate in exploring how Commonwealth member countries should respond to COVID-19 once the pandemic is ‘over’, including what will happen to emergency legislation, and whether loopholes in the legislation could risk abuses of power arising in the future.

Speakers:

Justice Jody Kollapen - Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, and Chairperson of the South African Law Reform Commission

Mr Tushar Mehta - Solicitor General of India

Mr Stephen Twigg - Secretary-General, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

Mr Geoff Lawn - President, Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel Parliamentary Counsel (CALC), Parliamentary Counsel’s Office Western Australia

The Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga (Moderator) - Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Previous Chairperson, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (2013-2016) and CPA President (2018-2019)

ANFREL: ‘Elections Observation During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Myanmar’ - 19 October 2020, 16.00 (MMT)

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With the continuous rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Myanmar, authorities have imposed restrictions to curb the further spread of the virus. Several townships in badly hit states and regions are under strict stay at home order while travel restrictions are also in place. The situation has proven to be particularly challenging for various election stakeholders with the general elections edging closer. Several political parties have called for the postponement of the elections but the Union Election Commission remains firm and committed to proceed with the elections as scheduled.

How is the COVID-19 pandemic changing the election environment in Myanmar? What are the particular areas of concern that election stakeholders should pay attention to? How are election stakeholders coping with the new normal?

ANFREL invited People's Alliance for Credible Election executive director Sai Ye Kyaw Swar Myint, Arakan Election Monitoring and Observation Consortium project coordinator Aung Naing, and Humanity Institute executive director Hpawdaw Naw Htoi to shed light on issues and challenges of observing the upcoming 2020 Myanmar General Election amid the COVID-19 pandemic. C.A.N. -- Myanmar founder and chairperson of the Board of Consultants Saw Zin Maung Soe will moderate the discussion.

Petrie-Flom Center (Harvard Law School): ‘Constitutional Democracy and the Role of High Courts in Times of Crisis: The Case of Mexico’ - 23 October 2020, 12.00-13.00 (EDT)

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How do modern constitutional democracies preserve the rule of law during crises and states of exception or emergency? The COVID-19 pandemic has offered a window into the various mechanisms used by judiciaries to maintain the health of democracies in extreme circumstances. Join us on October 23rd, 2020 for a discussion of approach taken in Mexico. Mexican Supreme Court Justice Alfredo Gutiérrez Ortiz Mena (LLM ’98) will describe comparative global strategies as well as the particulars of the Mexican Supreme Court’s approach. Professor Sofia Charvel of the ITAM Law School will provide broader background on the government’s institutional and legal response to Coronavirus in Mexico’s federalist system. Following the presentations, PFC Senior Fellow Alicia Ely Yamin will moderate questions and answers from the audience.

Open Gov Hub: ‘Election Crises in Polarized Democracies: What the U.S. Can Learn from Other Countries Before the November Election’- 22 October 2020, 12.00-13.00 (EDT)

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Recent events have illustrated that the risks of contested election results, outbreaks of political violence, and a breakdown of the democratic process could become a reality around the US presidential election this November. Looking at comparable international examples can help identify solutions and work that could be done domestically to help prepare and respond.

We are hosting a dialogue that will uncover examples of the recent election crises that have happened in other countries, which have key relevance for the risks surrounding the US presidential election this November.

From backsliding democracies and authoritarian environments, these examples can help guide us to make note of warning signs and tactics to mitigate risks, helping those of us in the US better prepare to protect and defend democracy through this tense, high-stakes and high-risk election season.

Panelists:

Rachel Kleinfeld (Moderator) - Senior Fellow, Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Krzysztof Izdebski - Board Member & Policy Director, ePaństwo Foundation (Poland)

Rodrigo Diamanti - Founder, Un Mundo sin Mordaza

TBD - a human rights speaker from India

New York Southeast Asian Network: ‘Politics In 2020: Covid, Repressive Pluralism and Dynasticism’ - 22 October 2020, 20.00-21.00 (EDT)

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President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is now a year into his second term, during which he had hoped to dramatically improve upon the achievements of his first term and cement his legacy as a transformative president, particularly economically.  But the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a blow to his chances of success, and the longer the crisis, the harder it will be to revive the economy.  Australian National University’s Greg Fealy will explore how Jokowi is confronting these steep challenges, and how he has abandoned much of his earlier political and social reform agenda, and instead doubled down on economic recovery and development. 

Jokowi, key elements of his support base, and key state agencies have become increasingly intolerant of dissent, with prominent critics being subjected to cyber-attacks and the threat of prosecution.  The military has increasingly been mobilized to ‘discipline’ the public to obey COVID protocols and lead new initiatives in food production and energy generation.  Moreover, the government has intensified its campaign against Islamist groups, which it sees as posing an existential threat to Indonesia’s pluralist traditions.  It has introduced discriminatory measures against Islamists in the public service and the largest party in the ruling coalition introduced a new bill into parliament which sought to use the state ideology of Pancasila to oppose religious ‘extremism’.  These policies have led to Indonesia’s further democratic regression.  One unexpected development in the past year has been Jokowi’s support for his son’s and his son-in-law’s nominations for mayoral elections in Surakarta and Medan, leading to accusations of dynasticism.

This webinar will be moderated by Margaret Scott, NYSEAN co-founder and Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Wagner, and is co-sponsored by NYSEAN and NYU Wagner.

International Press Institute (IPI) : ‘Safety and Independence of Journalism: Media freedom webinar’ - 20 October 2020, 14.30-17.00 (CET)

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This webinar will address both physical and digital threats and attacks on journalists and media workers and the deteriorating working conditions of journalists while identifying opportunities to help reverse these trends. In some cases, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges and the parallel ‘infodemic’, or rapid spread of disinformation, underscores the key role of free media systems in democratic societies, and the risks to media pluralism that are associated with a state of emergency and restrictions to freedom of expression. The webinar is aimed at promoting media development and freedom of expression in line with international human rights standards and OSCE principles and commitments.

The event will consist of a high-level opening session and two panels, one on safety of journalists and media workers and one on independence of journalism, with a regional focus on Central and Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. The latter topic, in particular, would seek to look at the effects of COVID-19 on journalistic independence.

The webinar will contribute to work of the Media Freedom Coalition, a partnership of currently 37 countries working together proactively to advocate for media freedom, online as well as offline, and for the safety of journalists and media workers. The Media Freedom Coalition aims to hold to account those who harm journalists or severely restrict them from doing their job, as well as support the work and initiatives of the Global Campaign for Media Freedom.

A report on the outcomes of the webinar will be fed into the second Global Conference on Media Freedom. This virtual meeting will be co-hosted by Canada and Botswana on November 16, 2020. The first Global Conference on Media Freedom took place in London in 2019, jointly hosted by the United Kingdom and Canada.

FEATURED Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (Stanford University): ‘Egyptian Governance and the Pandemic’ - 16 October 2020, 11.00-12.15 (PT)

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This talk is based on the co-authors' recent paper "How Much Will the Pandemic Change Egyptian Governance and for How Long?" The Egyptian regime has reacted in an unexpected way to the global pandemic—with civilian, technocratic, and expert bodies leading the way and even some (admittedly officially patrolled) political debate being allowed to emerge. This talk examines these recent developments and evaluates whether they mark a real change in Egyptian governance, and if so, why, what kind, and will it last.

Speakers (co-authors):

Amr Hamzawy - Senior Research Scholar @CDDRL, Stanford University

Nathan Brown - Professor of Political Science and International Relations @The George Washington University

FEATURED Open Gov Hub: ‘Journalism, Elections, and Polarization: American Democracy in Crisis’ - 15 October 2020, 16.00-17.00 (EDT)

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Every presidential election matters, but 2020 is a particularly pivotal test for American democracy. Free press is one of the main democratic pillars, but what does that really mean in the current times? And what stands against democracy defenders?

The role of journalists has been challenged by political pressures from many angles -- ranging from Trumpism and the pandemic to the aftermath of RBG’s judicial legacy and voting rights.

This roundtable conversation will uncover what organizations are doing to support the freedom of the press and effective journalism through advocacy, media amplification, funding, and training.

You’ll hear leading voices from Solutions Journalism, Front Page Live, Fundamedios, and Fund for Investigative Journalism weigh in on the issue and give some practical insights on the polarization factors in America -- and what we, as citizens, can do to bridge the gaps between us.

Speakers:

Stacy Whittle - Front Page Live

Dagmar Thiel - Fundamedios

Mikhael Simmonds - Solutions Journalism

Eric Ferrero - Fund for Investigative Journalism

FEATURED International IDEA & Friends: ‘How does distant & online election campaigning affect political freedoms?’ - 14 October 2020, 15.00 (AEDT)

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The need for physical distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic has raised the need for innovative campaign methods to be developed by election contestants because conventional campaign methods such as rallies, public meetings, etc. are prohibited in some jurisdictions. Distant and online election campaigning may be seen as restrictive to both contestants and voters alike due to physical and technological barriers that appear. To what degree is this true?

FEATURED RSA: ‘Active Democracy in Times of Emergency’ - 8 October 2020, 13.00-13.45 (BST)

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As the world faces the critical issues of Covid-19, climate emergency and political disquiet, what are the novel democratic approaches we can deploy to tackle these acute and existential challenges? How can a more ‘active democracy’ break political deadlock, build civic trust and drive transformative collaboration between government, civil society and communities?

One month on from Climate Assembly UK’s reported recommendations and with the US election looming, RSA chief executive Matthew Taylor is joined in conversation with OECD policy analyst Claudia Chwalisz and chief executive of Reboot Panthea Lee to explore practical strategies for long-term change. This event marks the London launch of the OECD report on innovative citizen participation and new democratic institutions: Catching the Deliberative Wave.

New Hampshire Municipal Association: ‘What Voting Looks Like in a Pandemic: Lessons Learned from the Primary Election’ - 14 October 2020, 12.00-13.00 (CST)

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Administering an election under pandemic conditions requires taking steps to keep voting accessible, safe, and secure.  A number of election practices have had to change this year to make sure voters didn’t need to choose between their health and their right to vote. Fortunately, the September 8th primary election gave New Hampshire election officials a good “trial run,” which will help in preparations for the general election on November 3rd.

Join Peter Imse, Bow town moderator; Cordell Johnston, NHMA’s Government Affairs Counsel and Henniker town moderator; and Stephen Buckley, NHMA’s Legal Services Counsel, who will share practical tips and “lessons learned” and generally discuss what worked and what didn’t work at the primary — lessons that can serve to make the November election even more safe and accessible to all legal voters.

Bipartisan Policy Center: ‘Get the Facts About Voting by Mail’ - 6 October 2020, 14.00-15.00 (EDT)

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Mail-in ballots are safe and secure, but they are not without complication for voters and election administrators. There is a large amount of misinformation surrounding the vote-by-mail process, and with more than 50% of voters expected to cast a mail-in ballot for the November election, the electorate needs to know how to cast their ballots safely and what happens after they do. Please join us for a panel discussion exploring the facts, the myths, and the safest approaches to casting your mail-in ballot this fall.

Speakers:

Alysoun McLaughlin - Deputy Election Director, Montgomery County, MD

Amber McReynolds - Chief Executive Officer, National Vote at Home Institute

Maggie Toulouse Oliver - New Mexico Secretary of State

Kim Wyman - Washington Secretary of State

Grace Panetta (Moderator) - Politics Reporter, Business Insider

University of Melbourne: ‘Covid-19: Assessing Indonesia’s Response’ - 6 October 2020, 14.00-16.00 (AEST)

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Join prominent Indonesian and Australian scholars and activists as they present insights into how the Indonesian government has responded to the Covid-19 pandemic. Topics covered include politics, democratic regression, freedom of expression, health policy and testing, impact on women, the disabled and the urban poor, and Muslim attitudes.

This event is co-hosted by the Indonesia Democracy Hallmark Research Initiative (IDeHaRI) and the Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society.

FEATURED Commonwealth: ‘Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Political and Electoral Participation’ - 2 October 2020, 18.00-20.00 (BST)

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This webinar is part of the Commonwealth Secretariat effort at fostering virtual dialogues on the gendered and shadow impact of COVID-19 on women, through its Inclusive Dialogue and Women’s Political Participation Project. During these sessions, Commonwealth governments, the Secretariat, partner institutions and experts will join a dialogue on how political, electoral and governance stakeholders in Africa and the Caribbean are addressing the impact of the pandemic on women - as well as reflect on opportunities for positive change.

COVID-19 has revealed many opportunities to identify women who are at the forefront of building resilience in their communities and whose entry to formal leadership positions could be encouraged and fostered. The inclusive and effective participation of pandemic response and post-pandemic policy, governance and electoral environments, could set Africa and the Caribbean up for a more equitable and healthier future. Join our webinars to learn more about how inclusive dialogue and women’s political participation can amplify voices, build resilience and accelerate transformational leadership.

FEATURED American Bar Association: ‘Obstacles at Every Turn – Native Vote in a World of Coronavirus’ - 1 October 2020, 15.00 (EDT)

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In 2017 and 2018, the Native American Voting Rights Coalition held hearings throughout Indian Country documenting barriers to the ballot box for Native Americans. In June 2020, the Native American Rights Fund issued a detailed report highlighting the obstacles faced by Native Americans in the voting process from registering to vote, to casting a ballot, to having that vote counted. This panel will discuss the recent report, and the additional barriers and considerations as a result of the coronavirus.

Panelists:

Jacqueline De León - Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund

James T. Tucker - Of Counsel, Wilson Elser

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee (Moderator) - Director of Indian Legal Clinic, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

FEATURED Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD): ‘Gender Select Committees in post-COVID democracy: Why and how they matter’ - 1 October 2020, 20.00-22.00 (MYT)

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The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global economic shock of a magnitude unprecedented in modern times. How governments will respond to the economic crisis will have far-reaching consequences for political participation and inclusion in the longer term. Times of crisis such as this are often worse for women as they are more likely to have vulnerable jobs, to work in the informal sector, to lack of social protection and to have less access to financial resources. How do government institutions address the gender inequality issues?

Continuing our online discussion series on the impacts and inequalities caused and exacerbated by the pandemic and to give voice to advocates from across Malaysia, we explore the role of Parliamentary oversight via women’s select committee and the crucial need to have a women’s select committee in Malaysia. Sharing the experiences of other Commonwealth countries-challenges and successes-provides an opportunity for the government to respond to the issues surrounding gender inequality especially as the COVID-19 pandemic remains critical.

Speakers:

Karen Lai (Moderator) - women’s human rights activist

Zuraida Kamaruddin - Minister for Housing & Local Government and MP for Ampang, Malaysia

Fahmi Fadzil - MP for Lembah Pantai and Member of the former Select Committee on Gender Equality and Family Development, Malaysia

Jeehan Mahmood - MP for Hinnavaru and Chairperson of Human Rights and Gender Committee, Republic of Maldives

Electoral Regulation Research Network (ERRN): ‘Is a virtual Parliament desirable and workable?’ - 30 September 2020, 13.00-14.00 (AEST)

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Parliaments are central to Australia’s democracy – they are key to democratic representation, law-making and accountability. But how are they to properly function in the COVID-19 pandemic where there are severe public health restrictions and substantial increases in executive power?

Is a virtual Parliament the answer to this difficulty? What are its strengths and limitations? Is a virtual Parliament workable? Senate President Scott Ryan will take up these questions drawing upon his experience organising a virtual sitting of the Senate whilst Professor Anne Twomey will provide commentary.

This event is co-hosted by the Electoral Regulation Research Network, Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law, and Melbourne School of Government.

Chatham House: ‘Algeria in Transition: Governance, Hirak and COVID-19’ - 30 September 2020, 13.00-14.15 (BST)

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Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad has described the situation in Algeria as a 'multi-dimensional crisis' as the country continues to face political, economic and social challenges that have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the drop in oil prices.

At this webinar, part of the Chatham House MENA Programme Online Event Series, panellists will discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Algeria's economy, the Hirak Movement and current political transition. How is the government handling the health crisis? What has been the role of the Hirak and civil society during Algeria’s ongoing transition, and how are they being affected by the COVID-19 induced lockdown? What is the likely outcome and impact of November’s referendum on the revised constitution? What is the state of the economy following the disruptions of 2019 and 2020, and what are the prospects for the energy sector after the introduction of the new hydrocarbons law amid a low oil price environment?

Speakers:

Amel Boubekeur - Visiting Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

Slim Othmani - President, CARE

Fatima Sadouki - Independent Energy Specialist

Yahia Zoubir - Senior Professor of International Studies, KEDGE Business School; Visiting Fellow, Brookings Doha Center

Adel Hamaizia (Moderator) - Associate Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House