2024 is set to be a landmark year for elections around the world with 99 countries holding electoral contests. Check out
@IRIglobal
's NEW "Elections to Watch" page to learn more about the top 25 elections to watch this year:
One year ago yesterday was the first demonstration against the Hong Kong extradition bill. Within a few months, these demonstrations would become the
#HongKongProtests
, one of the largest people-powered democratic movements of our time.
We
@IRIglobal
#StandWithHongKong
. 🇭🇰
“This is actually the time when Hongkongers are the most unified.”
- Student activist
@JooeySiiu
on the political awakening in
#HongKong
that has led to one of the largest people-powered democratic movements of our time
#HongKongProtests
The pro-democracy
#HongKongProtests
have continued for more than 8 months, despite violent police crackdowns.
Student activist
@jeh_edy
tells
#GlobalPodcast
what motivates
#Hongkongers
to continue to call for justice and universal suffrage. 🇭🇰
Despite
#CCP
efforts to erase its atrocities and missteps from the public record,
#HongKongers
are making sure we always remember.
Why
#HongKong
can be best described as
#China
's conscience:
“We never experienced having more than 2,000 tear gas canisters in a single day.”
Activist
@JooeySiiu
talks about the violent police response to the pro-democracy
#HongKongProtests
, and what inspires the movement to continue, on
#GlobalPodcast
. 🇭🇰
The people of
#HongKong
have sent Beijing a clear message about their aspirations for democracy. It is in Beijing’s interest to listen.
Until they do, Hongkongers will be taking to the streets and to the polls to remind them.
#HongKong
’s autonomy is in mortal danger and its fate will have consequences far beyond the island.
@IRIglobal
’s Chris Olsen reflects on the challenges Hong Kongers face in their struggle for democracy and the incredible resolve of the
#HongKongProtests
“This is actually the time when Hongkongers are the most unified.”
- Student activist
@JooeySiiu
on the political awakening in
#HongKong
that has led to one of the largest people-powered democratic movements of our time
#HongKongProtests
“We never experienced having more than 2,000 tear gas canisters in a single day.”
Activist
@JooeySiiu
talks about the police crackdown on the pro-democracy
#HongKongProtests
, and what inspires the movement to continue, on the newest
#GlobalPodcast
. 🇭🇰
The people of
#HongKong
have sent Beijing a clear message about their aspirations for democracy. It is in Beijing’s interest to listen.
Until they do, Hongkongers will be taking to the streets and to the polls to remind them.
New: John McCain’s warning of the authoritarian threat should be heeded
"There is no subject on which John McCain showed greater prescience than the trajectory of Russia under Vladimir Putin."
@DCTwining
&
@RHFontaine
via
@TheHill
"It's probably our last chance."
@IRIglobal
is proud to elevate the voices authoritarian regimes around the world are trying to silence.
Hear
#HongKong
student activists speak about their experiences and its relevance to the global struggle for democracy.
The people of
#HongKong
have sent Beijing a clear message about their aspirations for democracy. It is in Beijing’s interest to listen.
Until they do, Hongkongers will be taking to the streets and to the polls to remind them.
The Chinese Communist Party systemically suppresses free speech in
#China
- and is attempting to use similar tactics abroad. How countries are fighting back against CCP efforts to manipulate information environments and corrode democratic institutions
#China
’s increasingly aggressive authoritarianism is one of the most daunting challenges facing both developing and established democracies.
How some countries have pushed back and what more could be done
Since the
#CCP
passed its new national security law, concerns over the legislation's ability to limit the freedom of anyone, anywhere have risen.
Now, the extraterritorial effect of the
#CCP
's crackdown is on full display in Great Britain.
The pro-democracy
#HongKongProtests
have continued for more than 8 months, despite violent police crackdowns.
Student activist
@jeh_edy
tells
#GlobalPodcast
what motivates
#Hongkongers
to continue to call for justice and universal suffrage. 🇭🇰
Despite the
#CCP
’s crackdown on political freedom, autonomy and dissent in
#HongKong
, protesters continue to call for freedom.
While the
#HongKongProtests
movement is leaderless,
@nathanlawkc
’s bravery is emblematic of Hong Kongers’ spirit and determination.
#FreedomAward2020
The Chinese Communist Party systemically suppresses free speech in
#China
- and is attempting to use similar tactics abroad.
How countries are fighting back against
#CCP
efforts to manipulate information environments and corrode democratic institutions
On Jan 5, 53 lawmakers and activists were arrested in
#HongKong
for organizing peaceful, democratic elections.
How Hong Kong's government is contributing to the death of the island’s status as a financial hub, beacon of rule of law and pearl of freedom.
#China
’s increasingly aggressive authoritarianism is one of the most daunting challenges facing developing and established democracies.
How some countries have pushed back and what more could be done:
A joint report from
@IRIglobal
,
@Graphika_NYC
&
@iftf
uncovered a series of online campaigns by
#CCP
-linked actors targeting
#Taiwan
’s 2020 presidential election, and its response to
#COVID19
, with narratives crafted to advance Beijing’s interests.
More:
Since the
#CCP
passed its new national security law, concerns over the legislation's ability to limit the freedom of anyone, anywhere have risen.
Now, the extraterritorial effect of the
#CCP
's crackdown is on full display in Great Britain.
#China
offers surveillance technology and trains countries on how to copy its repressive cybersecurity policies to suppress free speech. How
#CCP
influence is corroding democratic freedoms around the world - and how some countries are fighting back
The
#CCP
has rolled out education curriculum reforms, targeting the removal of the traditional Mongolian language.
@IRIglobal
’s Bryan Cassella explains how international pressure is needed to help ethnic Mongolians fight for &
#SavetheMongolianLanguage
STARTING NOW: Human rights violations that would normally spark outrage have gone largely unnoticed during
#COVID19
.
@IRIglobal
’s
@DCTwining
joins
@HJS_Org
to discuss global threats to freedom and how democracies can fight back. WATCH ⬇️
The
#CCP
has rolled out education curriculum reforms, targeting the removal of the traditional Mongolian language.
@IRIglobal
’s Bryan Cassella explains how international pressure is needed to help ethnic Mongolians fight for &
#SavetheMongolianLanguage
The
#CCP
has tried to use a charm offensive around
#COVID19
to bolster its support in Africa.
But as
@IRIglobal
's
@AdamGeorg3
explains in
@Lawfareblog
, a few profound blunders may have lost Beijing the goodwill it has bought across the continent.
On Jan 5, 53 lawmakers and activists were arrested in
#HongKong
for organizing peaceful, democratic elections.
How Hong Kong's government is contributing to the death of the island’s status as a financial hub, beacon of rule of law and pearl of freedom.
The arrest of 53
#HongKong
lawmakers and activists last week revealed what the
#CCP
fears most: its people.
Today,
@IRIglobal
calls upon Hong Kong's legislators to return to the rule of law and govern in the interest of its citizens
A joint report from
@IRIglobal
,
@Graphika_NYC
&
@iftf
uncovered a series of online campaigns by
#CCP
-linked actors targeting
#Taiwan
’s 2020 presidential election, and its response to
#COVID19
, with narratives crafted to advance Beijing’s interests.
More:
The
#CCP
has rolled out education curriculum reforms, targeting the removal of the traditional Mongolian language.
@IRIglobal
’s Bryan Cassella explains how international pressure is needed to help ethnic Mongolians fight for &
#SavetheMongolianLanguage
On Jan 5, 53 lawmakers and activists were arrested in
#HongKong
for organizing peaceful, democratic elections.
How Hong Kong's government is contributing to the death of the island’s status as a financial hub, beacon of rule of law and pearl of freedom.
We have taken note of today’s announcement that the
#CCP
intends to impose sanctions on
@IRIglobal
& others. While details are emerging, it is clear that this is political retaliation targeting NGOs that advance freedom worldwide.
Our statement: 1/4
The
#CCP
has rolled out education curriculum reforms, targeting the removal of the traditional Mongolian language.
@IRIglobal
’s Bryan Cassella explains how international pressure is needed to help ethnic Mongolians fight for &
#SavetheMongolianLanguage
On Jan 5, 53 lawmakers and activists were arrested in
#HongKong
for organizing peaceful, democratic elections.
How Hong Kong's government is contributing to the death of the island’s status as a financial hub, beacon of rule of law and pearl of freedom.
Today,
@IRIglobal
is announcing our intent to open an office in
#Taiwan
.
In our new Taipei location, we will work with partners to strengthen networks of democratic actors, build resilience against malign authoritarian influence and more.
The
#CCP
's latest sanctions are an attempt to silence citizens of global democracies speaking out in support of
#HongKong
and distract the world's attention from crimes that the
#CCP
commits against its own people.
More on the sanctions from
@AP
:
RELEASE: IRI Ukraine Poll Shows Strong Confidence in President Zelensky, a Surge in Support for NATO Membership, Russia Should Pay for Reconstruction.
“Ukrainians are steadfast in their belief that
#Russia
should pay for the damage they have caused.”
Thank you
@MeghanMcCain
for calling on the Kremlin to
#FreeNavalny
!
It is past time for Putin to listen to hundreds
#RussiaProtests
calling for freedom, release Alexey
@navalny
and end the harassment of his friends and family.
.
@IRIGlobal
thanks the women of Iran for their bravery, strength, and commitment to building a more democratic and equitable society.
It was our honor to award the women of
#Iran
with IRI’s 2023 Freedom Award, accepted by
@AlinejadMasih
,
@NazaninBoniadi
, and Mehrangiz Kar.
The arrest of 53
#HongKong
lawmakers and activists last week revealed what the
#CCP
fears most: its people.
Today,
@IRIglobal
calls upon Hong Kong's legislators to return to the rule of law and govern in the interest of its citizens
The
#CCP
has rolled out education curriculum reforms, targeting the removal of the traditional Mongolian language.
@IRIglobal
’s Bryan Cassella explains how international pressure is needed to help ethnic Mongolians fight for &
#SavetheMongolianLanguage
China is weakening democracies around the world and popularizing authoritarianism.
@IRIglobal
's latest report identifies the
#CCP
's tactics and how activists and journalists are fighting back.
For nearly 40 years,
@IRIglobal
has worked in 100+ countries to advance democracy & empower its champions.
Tonight,
#FreedomAward2020
honors people on the frontlines of today’s movements for freedom.
Follow this thread to hear their inspiring words:
We are saddened to announce the passing of former IRI president Lorne W. Craner. As our longest-serving president, Lorne was instrumental in leading the fight to advance democracy worldwide.
“You can bet [China] will put on another impressive show to distract from the genocide.”
@DaveShullman
in
@FT
on why lawmakers, human rights activists are calling on President Biden to respond to
#CCP
persecution of Uighurs by rebidding the 2022 Olympics
“You can bet [China] will put on another impressive show to distract from the genocide.”
@DaveShullman
in
@FT
on why lawmakers, human rights activists are calling on President Biden to respond to
#CCP
persecution of Uighurs by rebidding the 2022 Olympics
Please read this important letter signed by
@IRIGlobal
President
@DCTwining
advocating for the release of our friend and freedom fighter,
@VKaraMurza
.
Following the tragic death of
@navalny
, we stand with dozens of former ambassadors and prodemocracy advocates to urge
@POTUS
,
@SecBlinken
, and
@JakeSullivan46
to take immediate action to
#FreeKaraMurza
from Russian prison.
Join us. Review our full letter:
The
#CCP
seeks to insert its influence well beyond its borders.
@IRIglobal
’s
@DaveShullman
spoke with
@VOABosnian
on how growing Chinese sharp power is affecting vulnerable democracies
It was with profound sorrow that IRI learned of the death of Senator John McCain, who served as our Chairman for 25 years. During that period, he was a tireless advocate for human freedom around the world. Our full statement:
On behalf of the people of
#Burma
,
@KyawTun62907405
accepts tonight’s John S. McCain
#FreedomAward
"The people of
#Myanmar
have shown their eagerness and attachment to democracy through their ballot at this year's election... We are fighting for justice. Justice must prevail."
The
#CCP
uses a diverse influence toolkit to engineer a world safe for the Party.
@IRIglobal
's latest report uncovers how the
#CCP
uses economic leverage & information manipulation in vulnerable democracies, neutralizing response to its illiberal agenda
41 years ago, President Ronald Reagan inspired the creation of the
@NEDemocracy
with his speech to the British Parliament at Westminster.
Today,
@IRIGlobal
continues to work tirelessly to answer President Reagan's call to foster the infrastructure of democracy.
.
@SenateForeign
has released a report on transatlantic cooperation with
#China
, which
@SenatorRisch
calls “the most important foreign policy issue of our time.”
Why the U.S. & Europe must work together to confront
#CCP
efforts to undermine rule of law:
#HongKong
’s democracy movement has brought millions to the streets calling for universal suffrage, democracy and human rights.
In recognition of their bravery and courage,
@IRIglobal
is proud to have
@SenRickScott
present the People of Hong Kong with the
#FreedomAward2020
.
Today, the
#CCP
sanctioned 11 Americans including
@IRIglobal
President
@DCTwining
& Board members
@MarcoRubio
and
@SenTomCotton
. This is an attempt to divert attention from the regime's violence and repression toward its own people.
Our statement:
“We never experienced having more than 2,000 tear gas canisters in a single day.”
Activist
@JooeySiiu
talks about the police crackdown on the pro-democracy
#HongKongProtests
, and what inspires the movement to continue, on the newest
#GlobalPodcast
. 🇭🇰
The brutal murder of George Floyd and other victims of racist violence compels us to reiterate our commitment to universal democratic principles.
Statement from
@IRIglobal
President
@DCTwining
:
A joint report from
@IRIglobal
,
@Graphika_NYC
&
@iftf
uncovered a series of online campaigns by
#CCP
-linked actors targeting
#Taiwan
’s 2020 presidential election, and its response to
#COVID19
, with narratives crafted to advance Beijing’s interests.
More:
“The people of Ukraine should be proud of their young democracy.”-
@CindyMcCain
as she delivered
@IRIGlobal
’s preliminary statement following presidential elections in
#Ukraine
this year.
Learn more about McCain's legacy in Ukraine:
The
#CCP
has shown it is unwilling to coexist with a vibrant democratic society.
@IRIglobal
is proud to stand with the
#HongKong
protestors, who risk their safety in exchange for the political and civic freedoms we all deserve.
"John McCain will be missed by many. He was a true leader and a dear friend, and it will always be among the greatest blessings of my life to know him." -
@vkaramurza
"MUDA’s emergence is a reminder of how little attention traditional ruling parties have paid to issues important to young Malaysians.”
@IRIglobal
expert
@BR_Braun
analyzes
#Malaysia
's new youth movement and what it means for the country's establishment
At
@IRIglobal
, we're proud of our commitment to developing democratic legislatures across the globe.
Through
@house_democracy
, we're partnering with politicians like the Honorable
@maemontanov
in
#Ecuador
to promote oversight and transparency. Here's how
IRI Statement on the Passing of Judy Van Rest
“IRI is saddened to announce the passing of Judy Van Rest, Executive Vice President since 2004 and founder of
@wdn
... She was a champion of liberty for all people, and she will be missed.”
Full Release:
For the past 40 years,
@IRIGlobal
and the
@NEDemocracy
family have strived to fulfill President Reagan’s goal “to foster the infrastructure of democracy."
For the next 40 years, IRI recommits to advancing democracy worldwide.
More on our work:
Duannis León Taboada, 22 years old, barber and self-employed worker is a
#Cuban
who protested on the streets on July 11 demanding freedom.
He was condemned to 14 years in prison for “sedition” against the Cuban dictatorship.
#SOSCuba
#PatriaYVida
#PresosPorQu
é
#OnThisDay
in 1983,
@IRIglobal
was founded. Over the last 37 years, we have:
✅Strengthened democracy in 100+ countries🌍
✅Observed 169 elections
✅Polled over 1.5 million people
And we’re just getting started! Our impact:
Today,
@IRIglobal
celebrates our 38th anniversary! Over the years, we have:
✅Strengthened democracy in 100+ countries🌎
✅Observed 200+ elections🗳️
✅Polled over 1.5 million people📊
And we are just getting started. Learn more
We salute those who stood up 33 years ago in
#TiananmenSquare
to demand freedom from the oppressive CCP.
@IRIGlobal
stands in solidarity with those who seek democracy and human rights.
3 June 1989: China sends troops to oust pro-Democracy protesters from
#Tiananmen
Square after they occupied the square for 7 weeks. Estimates range from 100s of protesters killed to ~10,000. Martial law is also established in parts of Beijing.
#history
#ad
Protesters in Caracas rallied on the streets shouting: “Who are we? Venezuela! What do we want? Freedom!”
What was the lead up to these protests? Find out on our
#podcast
. With
@AlexandraUlmer
&
@ricardo_hausman
RELEASE: IRI Statement on Russia’s Military Attack on Ukraine
“IRI strongly condemns Russia’s military assault on Ukraine. … The freedom-loving nations of the world must come together and hold the Russian government accountable for its actions.”
Full:
Senator McCain was Chairman of
@IRIGlobal
for 25 years. We are eternally grateful for his commitment to advance democracy worldwide & support freedom for all people.
Four years ago today, we lost a great Senator, friend, father, husband and Maverick. Please join us in remembering the incomparable life and legacy of Senator John McCain.
#McCainMemories
Hon. Andrea Beatriz Villagrán Antón is one of the youngest members, and one of only a handful of women, in
@CongresoGuate
.
How
@house_democracy
has helped
@AVillagran502
tackle issues in
#Guatemala
and the challenges of being a female member of Congress
The International Republican Institute at 40!
November marks
@IRIglobal
's 40th year of advancing
#democracy
worldwide after the establishment of the
@NEDemocracy
by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.