<< Back The Work of the National Democratic Institute The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

In many countries, advocates of democracy lack experience with democratic practices and face weakened or non-existent democratic institutions. They have turned to NDI for assistance in building their democratic structures. These include: national legislatures and local governments that function with openness and competence; broad-based political parties that are vehicles for public policy debates; and nonpartisan civic organizations that promote democratic values and citizen participation. While NDI puts much effort into the consolidation of new democracies, autocratic political regimes persist in many places. And in other countries, democratic gains have been reversed. In these situations, NDI works with advocates of democracy who courageously struggle against tremendous odds to promote peaceful, political change. Geostrategic "hot spots" most likely to erupt into violence are found, for the most part, in areas of the world that are non-democratic or where governments are anti-democratic. Democracies remain viable at home by resolving conflicts within society nonviolently and through compromise. Thus, they are predisposed to seek solutions peacefully with their neighbors. Democracies also promote economic growth more consistently and equitably than non-democratic political systems. It is no coincidence that the world's most prosperous and peaceful nations are also the most democratic. With unchecked power, governments squander resources, resulting ultimately in economic decline. Democracy building programs are, above all, an investment in peace and stability. The past half-century provides ample proof that democracy is more than just another form of government; it is also a powerful generator of international security, prosperity and peace. — Madeleine K. Albright, NDI Chairman Having worked closely with NDI in Panama, Nicaragua, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Zambia and elsewhere, I have been impressed not only with the Institute's dedication, but with its innovative and effective democratic development programs. — President Jimmy Carter Volunteer Network and Multinational Approach Democracy building programs are most successful when they involve experts both from the U.S. and from other countries. As a practical matter, people attempting to make the transition to democracy require and request diverse experiences and skills. This multinational approach reinforces the message that there is no single democratic model, although certain core principles are shared by all democracies. NDI's principal resource is people. Over 20 years, more than a thousand individuals with proven experience in the practice of building democratic institutions have participated in our programs. At critical moments of transition, NDI's method is to introduce these experts—political party leaders, civic organizers, election officials and legislators—to fellow democrats in need of information, guidance and encouragement. NDI calls on its international network from more than 70 countries to donate their time, to share experiences and to impart skills. In South Africa, NDI and the South African-based "Project Vote," conducted a three-year voter education project that helped educate millions of South Africa's first-time voters about democratic elections. Following the polls, NDI's work focused on enhancing the capabilities of the national legislature and nine newly elected provincial parliaments. Functional Approach NDI programs provide citizens and their elected representatives with resource materials, consultations and training on the practical tools of participatory democracy. A functional approach cuts across all NDI programming: political and civic organization; election processes; democratic governance; and women's political participation. These concerns are not theoretical matters to those facing the difficult task of establishing democratic institutions and engaging citizens in the political life of their countries. Instead, each issue must be managed with practical skills and expertise that can be applied to tangible problems: legislators who request information on how to professionalize parliamentary operations; grassroots civic organizations that need help monitoring elections or promoting accountability by elected officials; city councils that seek advice on ways to solicit public input into decision making, and political parties that request guidance on mechanisms that ensure internal democratic practices and enhance communication with potential supporters. In Kenya, NDI acquainted women who aspired to elective office with the skills needed to compete effectively in the political process. Political Party Building Stable democracy requires the development of strong, broadly based and well-organized political parties. Parties must expand their organizational capacity to combat apathy and to inspire participation. If democratic party organizations fail to fulfill their special role in society, citizens may lose faith in the governing process itself. Political parties that effectively debate public policy issues and that are representative and accountable will contribute to democratic society. NDI brings to parties from across the democratic political spectrum the nuts and bolts of politics—from communication within the party, and democratic selection of candidates and party leaders to issues research, polling, message development and public outreach. Citizen Participation In many countries undergoing democratic transitions, large sections of the population are unfamiliar with their rights and responsibilities in an open political environment. Intermediary organizations—the voice of an informed citizenry—are integral components of a pluralistic society and a strong civic culture. NDI often supports civic organizations involved in the electoral phase of their country's transition. NDI may help these groups establish voter education programs that inform citizens about election procedures. It may also assist election monitoring programs that build public confidence in the electoral process. The work of these groups provides an educational value far beyond the impact on election day—often enhancing political discourse and citizen involvement. In addition to building the organizational capabilities of civic organizations, NDI works with civic groups as a means to provide citizens greater access to the political process, and to fight corruption and, promote transparency and accountability in government. Election Processes Elections must be open and democratic if people are to have confidence in the political system. An election is a dynamic process in which members of political parties, civic organizations and other institutions must systematically acquire the skills necessary to participate in the political life of a country. Political parties and governments have asked NDI to study the electoral codes of their countries and to recommend improvements. The Institute has provided technical assistance for political parties and civic groups to conduct voter and civic education campaigns, and to organize election monitoring programs, such as poll watching and independent vote counts. The Institute has also organized more than 50 international observer delegations that have attested to the honesty of electoral procedures, helped deter electoral misconduct or exposed fraud. Strengthening Legislatures Effective democratic governance depends on a professional, accountable and responsive legislature. NDI's programs support the professional development of legislatures, encourage greater public participation in the legislative process, address corruption, and promote the principles of transparency and accountability in national policymaking. Lawmakers examine practical information on parliamentary organization, including legislative oversight, internal rules of procedure, public access to information, effective utilization of parliamentary staff, and the role of political party caucuses. NDI programs also promote greater citizen participation in legislative decision making by encouraging public hearings, town hall meetings, and increased communication between elected officials and their constituents. In the run-up to the 2000 election, NDI assisted democratic party leaders and activists in Serbia with developing the organizational skills needed to provide alternatives to extreme nationalism and to compete for public support. In Nigeria, NDI works closely with members of the House and Senate to build effective and accountable institutions that promote public confidence in the country's political system. Women's Participation NDI is committed to promoting the equitable participation of women in politics and government. Comprising over 50 percent of the world's population, women continue to be under-represented as voters, political leaders and as elected officials Support for increased participation of women in political and civic leadership is consistent with NDI's mandate to strengthen the inclusive nature and representative character of democratic institutions worldwide. The participation of women is an essential element in the design and implementation of all NDI programs. NDI helps women acquire the tools to engage in the political process. NDI programs help create an environment in which women can advocate on matters of policy, run for political office, be elected, govern effectively, and participate meaningfully in every facet of civic and political life. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with field offices in all regions of the world, NDI has conducted democratic development programs in the following places: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Rwanda, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, West Bank and Gaza Strip, Yemen, Zambia and Zimbabwe. << Back