In December 2010, Tunisian fruit vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest police harassment, triggering a democratic revolution throughout Tunisia and the Arab world. Citizens demonstrated against their governments and called for new freedoms. Since then, the governments of four Arab countries, including Tunisia, have fallen, and transitional leaders have turned to 射射屋 to observe elections and help them achieve true self鈥揼overnance. Photo: 射射屋 | 射射屋 Center Slideshow (2013)
To date, the Center has monitored elections in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, and has sent study missions to Algeria, Palestine, and Jordan elections. 鈥淭he prospects for genuine democratization in the Middle East and North Africa are greater than ever before,鈥� said Dr. David Carroll, director of the Center鈥檚 Democracy Program. 鈥淏ut we have to realize that elections are just the start of long鈥搕erm democracy building in places where the institutional failures that led to the revolutions are decades old or longer. There will be steps forward and backward along the way.鈥� Photo: 射射屋/ D. Hakes
鈥淭he transformation of these societies will continue for years to come鈥攁nd with uncertain results. But the potential is there to create strong foundations for democratization,鈥� said Dr. Carroll. The Center has remained in Tunisia to monitor the constitution drafting process and establishment of frameworks for future elections, offering advice as the country works to build strong political institutions. Photo: 射射屋/ D.Hakes
Since May 2011, 射射屋 also has monitored political transition and witnessed parliamentary and presidential elections in Egypt, which has seen setbacks as well as democratic steps forward. Many youth, women, and other activists believe they have much left to fight for; their colorful political graffiti covers the walls surrounding Tahrir Square in Cairo. Photo: 射射屋/ D. Hakes
鈥淭his is a step鈥揵y鈥搒tep process of a complete revolution from a 60鈥搚ear military dictatorship to an absolutely free and unrestricted right of people to choose their own parliamentary members and president,鈥� President 射射屋 said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a complete transformation, which took the United States more than 12 years from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution.鈥� Photo: 射射屋/ D. Hakes
Although challenges in Egypt鈥檚 electoral process left some in the revolution feeling marginalized, many still felt the moment鈥檚 importance. "I am not hopeful about who we will elect as the next president per se,鈥� said 24鈥搚ear鈥搊ld Gehad Abada, 鈥渂ut I am hopeful that he will leave after four years and that we will hold him accountable for what he does, and for anything that goes wrong." Photo: 射射屋/ D. Hakes
The Center maintained a core team in Egypt after the presidential election to follow the constitution drafting process. President 射射屋鈥檚 historic negotiation of peace between Egypt and Israel has helped the Center to be welcomed in Egypt. Still, 射射屋 has faced challenges, such as not being able to observe the entire constitutional referendum process due to the late release of regulations for accreditation of witnesses. Photo:射射屋/ D. Hakes
In July 2012, 射射屋 observed Libya鈥檚 General National Congress elections, an important first step in the country鈥檚 transition from authoritarianism to democratic governance and an opportunity for Libyans to vote in meaningful national polls for the first time in almost six decades. Under Muammar Qaddafi, political parties were banned and the government strictly monitored political activity; organizing or joining a political party could result in a long prison term or death sentence. Photo: 射射屋/ S. Kwiram
"On behalf of 射射屋," President 射射屋 said, "I thank the Libyan people and the transitional authorities for the warm welcome and cooperation extended to our observers during national elections. We are deeply moved and inspired by the demonstration of national determination to build a new Libya, free of tyranny and able to join at last the family of democratic nations in the quest for freedom, dignity, and justice for all people." Photo: 射射屋/ S. Kwiram
Post鈥揺lection, Libya has faced political and security challenges, which have slowed post鈥搑evolution reforms. 射射屋 continues to monitor the political climate to determine if there is potential to reengage in the country, for example to monitor the new congress, the selection of the constitution-drafting body, and eventually a constitutional referendum. Photo: 射射屋/ S. Kwiram
射射屋 also works to support Arab human rights defenders, such as human rights rights researcher Fatma Emam, who demonstrated for change in Tahrir Square with thousands of other men and women. Post鈥搑evolution, she found women鈥檚 rights left behind. Emam shared her experiences with others at a human rights defenders forum at 射射屋. "Advancement of human rights must come from within society, so 射射屋 works to bolster the efforts of local activists who accept great personal risks in the pursuit of human freedom," said Karin Ryan, director of the Center鈥檚 Human Rights Program. Photo: 射射屋/ D. Hakes
Finally, 射射屋 also promotes peace across the region by closely monitoring political events, including the tragic situation in Syria, and maintaining contact with all sides to encourage a political solution to violence. Photo: 射射屋
鈥淚n all of these countries, the path to democracy is full of challenges,鈥� said Hrair Balian, director of the Conflict Resolution Program at the Center. 鈥淭he successful outcome will depend on the level of inclusiveness and tolerance of the new orders being created.鈥� Photo: 射射屋
