International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
At the behest of Congressman Hoyer (D-Md.) and the crowd, IFES Board Chairman Peter Kelly joined the Georgetown Chimes for “There Goes Old Georgetown” (the Georgetown fight song).
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
The IFES Legacy Award and the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award are ready to be presented to their recipients.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
This year IFES hosted its annual Charles T. Manatt Democracy Awards Dinner at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Thank you to all of IFES’ generous sponsors and supporters who made the night a success.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Members of the IFES Board of Directors pose with Henrique Sosa Machado and Machado’s legal adviser Tomas Arias for a photo before the 2014 Democracy Awards Dinner. From left to right: Chairman Peter Kelly, Vice Chairman Bill Hybl, H.E. Andres Pastrana, Ho
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Judith E. Heumann, U.S. State Department Special Advisor for International Disability Rights (left), attended the 2014 Democracy Awards Dinner.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) is welcomed by IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney and IFES Board Vice Chairman Bill Hybl before the start of the dinner.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Kiki McLean was our Master of Ceremonies for the evening. She delighted audiences with stories and underscored the impact of IFES’ work around the world.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney thanked honored guests and sponsors. Current and former members of Congress, administration officials and representatives from the diplomatic community attended the ceremony.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
IFES Board Secretary Judy Black highlighted IFES’ Innovation Fund and the night’s celebration of democracy. She also talked about the outstanding leadership of IFES Board Chairman Peter Kelly and Vice Chairman Bill Hybl. Judy introduced Senator Jerry Mora
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) accepted his award and delivered remarks emphasizing the need to support advocates of freedom and democracy around the world. Senator Moran also introduced IFES Board Vice Chairman Bill Hybl.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
The Olympics logo and “The Bugler’s Dream” played as IFES Board Vice Chairman Bill Hybl walked on stage to accept his award. Hybl expressed his heartfelt gratitude to members of the Board and those who dedicate themselves to democracy.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
IFES Board Treasurer Lesley Israel and Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) share laughs as he is presented with the 2014 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) talks about his close friendship with the late Charles Manatt and his relationship with IFES.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Kathleen Manatt waves to Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) as he reflects on their friendship over the years. As Congressman Hoyer closes his remarks, he presents IFES Board Chairman Peter Kelly with a surprise.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
IFES Board Chairman Peter Kelly claps as the Georgetown Chimes are welcomed on stage. During his undergraduate studies, Kelly sang with the Georgetown Chimes.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Maria Corina Machado could not attend the awards ceremony because the Venezuelan regime has banned her from leaving the country. She produced a video message, however, that highlighted the voice of Venezuelan citizens.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Henrique Sosa Machado gave an impassioned speech about the youth-led democracy movement in his home country of Venezuela. He described his mother’s struggle and introduced a video message from Maria Corina Machado.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Former President of Colombia and IFES Board Director H.E. Andres Pastrana (left) presented Henrique Sosa Machado (right) with the 2014 Democracy Award on behalf of his mother Maria Corina Marchado, who was unable to leave the country to accept the award.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
IFES Board Director Don Sweitzer closed the ceremony by talking about IFES’ 2014 U.S. Election Program and the Joe C. Baxter Award. He also expressed his gratitude to the IFES Board of Directors as he takes over as the Chairman of the Board.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems:
Henrique Sosa Machado met with David W. Yang, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance at the U.S. Agency for International Development.