IRI delegates from Canada, Macedonia, Poland and the United States observed the first phase of elections for Egypt’s People’s Assembly held on November 28 and 29, 2011.
For this first phase of elections, IRI coordinated with a U.S. Congressional delegation led by Congressman David Dreier (CA-26), who also serves on IRI’s Board of Directors. Other members of the Congressional delegation are Congressman Donald Payne (NJ-10); Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-1); Mrs. Connie Harriman-Whitfield; Barry Jackson, Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner; Brad Smith, Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman David Dreier; and Rachael Leman, Policy Director for the U.S. House of Representatives Rules Committee.
IRI delegates were:
- Fred DeLorey, Director of Communications and spokesman for the Conservative Party of Canada;
- Michele Dunne, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East;
- Antonijo Milošoski, former Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Macedonia; and
- Agnieszka Pomaska, Member of the Polish Sejm from the Civic Platform party.
IRI also deployed long-term observers throughout the country to observe election related activities such as political campaigns, rallies and elections preparations. These efforts gave IRI a better understanding of the election environment.
IRI’s election observation mission garnered coverage in Egyptian and international media. Some of the coverage includes:
In Egypt and Congo, Questions of Election Legitimacy Remain
NewsHour, November 29, 2011
After Second Day of Voting in Egypt, Islamists Offer Challenge to Generals
The New York Times, November 29, 2011
International Monitor: Among Egypt’s Electorate, a ‘Sense of Pride’
NewsHour’s Rundown Blog, November 29, 2011
CNN’s Carol Costello Talks to Congressman David Dreier About Egypt’s Elections
American Morning, November 29, 2011
CNN’s Zain Verjee Talks to Congressman David Dreier About Egypt’s Elections
CNN Live, November 28, 2011
Egyptians take to the polls with muted excitement
The Washington Post, November 28, 2011
Big turnout, scant violence in Egypt vote: monitors
Reuters, November 28, 2011
Egypt tense as elections loom
CNN.com, November 27, 2011
Thousands Rally in Cairo to Ratchet Up Pressure on Military Rulers Ahead of Elections
NewsHour’s Rundown Blog, November 25, 2011
In addition to the media coverage, delegate Michele Dunne blogged about her experience observing the elections. Read her posts at Egypt Source by clicking the links below:
Polls Close and the Count Begins
November 29, 2011
Election Day One: Vignettes from Port Said
November 28, 2011
Port Said on the Eve of Elections
November 27, 2011
Electoral Propaganda
November 26, 2011
Fine Points of the Electoral System that Might Make a Difference
November 26, 2011
Since 1983, IRI has monitored more than 135 elections in more than 44 countries.
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