Tony Banbury

A momentous day in Vienna as @IFES1987 President & CEO @TonyBanbury signed a MOU with @ZeroProjectorg to advance collaboration on #DisabilityInclusion! A great start to a week of innovation and learning at the #ZeroProjectConference 2026! ifes.org/news/ifes-sign…

From Chișinău to Dhaka, that resilience is worth recognizing — and protecting. 7/7

My conversation with Angelica was a reminder that when election management bodies rise to the moment — and when citizens meet them there — democracy proves more resilient than many assume. 6/7

This morning in Chișinău, I had the privilege of meeting with the talented Angelica Caraman, the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of Moldova. 1/7

In both cases, election officials worked strategically and tirelessly to safeguard the process. And in both cases, citizens responded, not by retreating from democracy and its imperfections, but by leaning into it. 4/7

Moldova and Bangladesh are separated by geography, history, and political context. But today they share something important. 3/7

We spoke about last year’s high-stakes election, a moment when Moldova stood at the center of intense geopolitical pressure and malign foreign influence. After our conversation, I couldn’t help but think about today’s election in Bangladesh. 2/7

Happy 2026!

Our kind of NYE dance party!

“It is good news for our nation that two-thirds of all Americans continue to name democracy as the best form of governance,” said Sharon L. Davies, Kettering’s president and CEO. “But we must do more to reverse the erosion of that belief among our youngest citizens. This survey is a wake-up call to our elected leaders.”

J’ai eu l'honneur de signer aujourd'hui un protocole d'accord avec le Conseil Électoral Provisoire (CEP) en Haïti. @IFES1987

We have presented our 2025 Manatt Democracy Award to Sophie Schmidt, Founder and Publisher of the brilliant publication @restofworld, and Hal Seki, Founder of the innovation powerhouse @CodeforJapan.

"Maria Corina Machado has shown that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace." IFES congratulates our 2014 Manatt Democracy Award recipient on her selection for the 2025 Nobel Peace prize. ifes.org/news/ifes-appl…

I cannot wait to join an upcoming convening of @IFES1987’ AI Advisory Group on Elections! IFES is doing such important work in this space in partnership with some brilliant people. #AIAGE

Today is #InternationalDemocracyDay2025 and I’m reflecting on how we cultivate democratic culture: for me, it’s listening to others, reflecting on disagreements, & debating respectfully and rigorously. You?

"As #Bangladesh continues its journey to historic elections, IFES is proud to stand in support of the country’s election leadership and their preparation for the future." ifes.org/news/banglades…

Some thoughtful Friday reading from my @IFES1987 colleague Fernanda Buril:

I look forward to joining the @KetteringFdn Global Conversation on #Democracy today! If you are also attending in-person, let’s connect.

I am pleased to share that @IFES1987 is recruiting a VP for Programs and Strategy! This person will be vital to the next stage of IFES' evolution. Please share with your networks of talented people, and consider whether you yourself should apply! #Hiring ifes.org/careers