International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Two of this year's winners, Mwidau and Dreier, pose with IFES Chairman Peter Kelly, IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney and the night's master of ceremonies ABC News Political Director Amy Walter.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Dreier, who is leaving Congress this year, reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and governance saying he will continue to promote democratic ideals and practices after leaving office.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Mwidau was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation. She accepted the honor on behalf of all the women in Kenya who have stood for gender equality. Mwidau urged the international community to continue supporting Kenya in the quest for women's rights.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Robert Livingston, IFES board member and former Republican congressman from Louisiana, said a few words before presenting the Manatt Award to Dreier.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Rep. Lowey was unable to attend the ceremony as she was observing 9/11 with her constituents in New York. Congressman John Larson (D-Conn.), chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, accepted the award on her behalf. Walter read remarks she had prepared.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Walter said learning about the Manatt award honorees and IFES' efforts to advance democracy energized her in her continued coverage of the campaigns ahead of the November 6 United States elections.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
H.E. Elkanah Odembo, Ambassador of Kenya to the United States, attended the event. Before the dinner, he posed with Mwidau, Walter and Sweeney.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
The Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award is given yearly to a Democrat, a Republican and a member of the international community who demonstrate the dedication to democracy and human rights embodied by the award's namesake, former IFES Board of Directors Cha