The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
Related Articles
Democracy Updates
On March 28, 2007, 22 Romani activists participating in NDI’s Roma Political Participation Program met with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov to discuss initiatives to improve Romani education. The meeting resulted in commitments from Parvanov to hold a forum on Romani education, create a database of Romani NGOs to assist in policy development, and encourage media outlets to feature young, successful Roma.
In-Country Perspectives
The largest ethnic minority in Central and Eastern Europe, Roma continue to face discrimination and marginalization due to poverty, social ills and, in many cases, physical isolation. They are significantly underrepresented in mainstream political parties, hold few elected offices and have been unable to use political channels to solve many economic and social problems that affect their communities. NDI has been working with local candidates and political parties throughout the region in an effort to help Roma secure more equal political representation at all levels of government.
Roma Political Participation Initiative
The Roma comprise a sizeable and growing percentage of the population in Central and Eastern Europe—up to 10 percent in some countries—but are grossly underrepresented in politics and government. Since the collapse of communism, Roma have been unable to participate in their countries’ democratic institutions to solve widespread economic, social, and human rights problems that disproportionately afflict their communities. Active political participation—voting in elections, securing government representation, and advocating for their interests—offers the best way for Roma to improve their social status and material conditions.
Roma Political Participation
Contact Information
National Democratic Institute | 2030 M Street, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3306 | tel: 202.728.5500 | fax: 202.728.5520