Paul Rowland, NDI’s senior resident director in Indonesia, focused on that country’s upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections during a briefing at the Institute on April 1.  

Rowland began with an overview of the highly contested parliamentary elections that involve 38 political parties and thousands of candidates. The Indonesian electorate has developed a more sophisticated understanding of the electoral process within a short period of time, he noted, along with an increasing desire for better media oversight of the electoral process. 

Election laws passed last year, he said, have created new opportunities and challenges for women candidates. Although women remain at a disadvantage in contests with male opponents, there is optimism in the country that women have made significant strides and could make noteworthy gains during the elections.

Rowland has worked for NDI in Indonesia since 2003 and oversees an extensive portfolio of programs to strengthen legislature, develop political parties and broaden citizen participation.

Event Date and Time:
April 1, 2009, from 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Guest:

• Paul Rowland [4]

Pictured above: Paul Rowland (left), the Institute’s senior resident director in Indonesia, gives remarks at a recent briefing.