SECURING DEMOCRACY IN THE 21st CENTURY

In 1991, senior election officials, government and civic education leaders, and academics gathered in Budapest, Hungary for the Central European Electoral Systems Symposium. This historic meeting led to the founding of the Association of Central and Eastern European Election Officials (ACEEEO), which promotes the institutionalisation and professionalisation of democratic processes and procedures.
The ACEEEO has met nearly every year since its inception to address current topics and regional issues. Past conferences -- held in Budapest, Kiev, Siofok (Hungary), Moscow, Vilnius, Bratislava, and Warsaw -- have focussed on a wide variety of issues including electoral technology, campaign finance reform, and citizens' participation in the process. These meetings are important for election professionals who are faced with managing, administering, and mediating electoral events in challenging circumstances. Conferences provide participants with more than a unique network within which to share information and ideas. These events also provide valuable professional development opportunities and promote the use of new and appropriate electoral technology. The next conference is scheduled for Croatia in 2001.
In recent years, the Association has expanded its programming to better support its own members as well as others in the region facing similar issues. The ACEEEO now employs nearly decade of experience to conduct targeted professional development seminars and training, organise election observation missions, and collect election-related materials. The Association also maintains a Documentation Centre with information on election law and administration, voter education, election results, and other useful topics. These programs are designed and implemented by the Secretariat in Budapest, Hungary. Examples of program activities include:

As the ACEEEO approaches its ten year anniversary, it also is taking important steps toward enhancing its institutional capacity. The members of the Association are its strength. In November 1998, a new Charter was adopted to institute a graduated membership structure, specify membership fees, and establish clear rules for participation. Since this time, 17 election management bodies, a state-level association of election officials, and one international non-profit organization have formally signed the Charter. More are expected to join in the coming year. The Association is also open to organisations and individuals active in the electoral process.
The ACEEEO relies on support from several sources to implement quality programs and develop its institutional capacity. Association members host conferences and events, provide expertise, and contribute directly through membership fees. International partners such as IFES, OSCE, and other Western European election offices provide advice and expertise. Finally, funders such as the Government of Hungary, United States Agency for International Development, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and several other private sponsors provide direct financial support. With its new structure, committed members, and international support, the ACEEEO seeks to secure democracy in the region well into the 21st century.