The February/March theme for What's Being Done? is Breakthrough Elections, by which we mean those elections that hold, or may hold, the potential for a significant "breakthrough" in defeating a nondemocratic regime.

We focus on one upcoming potential breakthrough election of pressing concern - in Zimbabwe. By highlighting the upcoming election in Zimbabwe, we hope to attract attention to the various groups and activities that may contribute to the advancement of democracy. We also focus on a few illustrative examples of recent breakthrough elections. Focusing on past breakthrough elections, particularly those that were successful, can serve to illustrate the kinds of activities that are effective.

The information provided here will be placed in an online archives, and a new topic or area of work will be featured in this space beginning in early April 2002.

If you wish to provide information about work your organization may have conducted, or is conducting, on a breakthrough election, Please send the information via email the or by fax to +1-202-293-0755.

At the World Movement Second Assembly in November 2000, The International Republican Institute (IRI) organized a workshop on "Critical Breakthrough Elections as Opportunities for Democracy Promotion: What are the Best Strategies?" The workshop resulted in various practical recommendations on pre-election and post-election strategies, as well as general recommendations to NGOs.

In addition, The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs organized a workshop on "Elections and the International Community: Do's and Don'ts." The workshop discussed the role of international and domestic election observers.