About the International Foundation for Electoral Systems
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) envisions a world where people are free, societies are democratic, and elections are fair. Your presence at this important event supports IFES' work of securing elections, strengthening democracy, and advancing freedom.
IFES’ Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award honors inspirational leaders who have an unwavering commitment to building resilient democracies that deliver for all. This prestigious annual event convenes 100+ thought leaders, policymakers, and prominent figures from government, civil society, and beyond for a dynamic evening of connection and conversation.
2018
Hon. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia
Hon. Christopher Coons (D-Del.)
Hon. Mark Green (R)
2019
Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström
U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright (D)
U.S. National Security Adviser Stephen J. Hadley (R)
2022
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R)
U.S. Government Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Officers
2023
Judith Heumann
2025
Rest of World, accepted by Sophie Schmidt
Code for Japan, accepted by Hal Seki
Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award
Recent Recipients
About
Charles T. Manatt
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ (IFES) yearly Democracy Award is named in honor of former IFES Board Chair (1993-1999) Charles “Chuck” Manatt. Manatt exercised extensive influence in U.S. politics but is best remembered at IFES for his dedicated, visionary leadership in supporting democracy around the world.
As IFES Board Chair, Manatt supported the expansion of IFES programs across the globe. The Dominican Republic had a special place in his heart, and he dedicated himself to strengthening U.S. cooperation with the Dominican Republic.
Manatt is also remembered for his commitment to mentoring the next generation of "small d" democrats everywhere. Former IFES Chair Peter Kelly observed that Manatt “believed that investing in the next generation of leaders was the right thing to do and devoted his time and resources to make it a reality.”
Kelly also noted that Manatt had “the exceptional ability to work across the aisle in the U.S.” Manatt’s legacy of bipartisan support for freedom in the world lives on today at IFES.