Working to build peace in Nepal since 2003, The Carter Center observed the country's first constituent assembly elections in 2008, and then conducted long-term political and constitutional monitoring until June 2013. Here President and Mrs. Carter observe voting in Bhaktapur in April 2008.
In 2004, Indonesia held the country's first direct presidential elections since the fall of long-time authoritarian President Soeharto in 1998. The Carter Center was invited to observe the electoral process in Indonesia by the Indonesian General Election Commission (KPU) and all the major political parties.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter observes as two election officials prepare to count ballots by lantern light in Monrovia, Liberia, in October 2005.
A multinational Carter Center delegation observed the June 2009 parliamentary elections in Lebanon, a country marked by recent civil strife and political instability. Here President Carter and a team of observers visit a busy polling station on election day.
Voters stretch across a field at Mukarara Primary School polling station in Nairobi, Kenya, in March 2013. The Carter Center deployed an international delegation to observe Kenya's election.
A Carter Center team of 85 was on hand in November 2014 to observe Tunisia's presidential elections. Here Ambassador (Ret.) Mary Ann Peters, Carter Center CEO and delegation co-leader, briefs Tunisian and international media on election day.
Twenty-six years ago, in May 1989, The Carter Center sent its first-ever team of election observers to Panama, where their work exposed General Manuel Noriega's scheme to falsify tally sheets to swing the elections in favor of his handpicked candidate. That set in motion a series of events that led to Noriega's downfall and the instatement of the rightful president. It also established The Carter Center as a leader in what was then the still relatively new field of election observation.
In the intervening years, the Center's observation teams have witnessed elections in 38 countries. Their arrival - always at critical times in a country's history - helps ensure that human rights and democratic values are respected and inspires confidence in the voting process. The Carter Center has developed a reputation as a trusted, impartial witness who speaks the truth.
In May 2015, The Carter Center observed its 100th election, this one in Guyana. As we celebrate this important milestone, we take time to reflect on some of the 99 that have preceded it.
Important Test for Guyana
The May 2015 elections were closely contested. Read story >
View from the Inside
An observer recalls the Carter Center's first election observation mission. Read story >
Expert Q&A
David Carroll reflects on the Center's contributions to the field of election observation. Read Q&A >
"Beyond the White House"
Jimmy Carter recalls a dangerous first election mission to Guyana in 1992. Read excerpt >
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