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.

Tuesday, Oct. 9

2 - 3:30 p.m.

Atlantic Council, 1101 15th Street, NW, 11th Floor

Washington, DC 20005

The country’s trajectory in the last two years has been, by most accounts, away from Europe and democracy. Many Western analysts are concerned with how these elections will be conducted. The manner in which the Rada elections take place and their outcome will have an impact on the country’s relationship with the United States and Europe. Given that Ukraine will assume the position of chairman-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) next year, the elections may have broader Euro-Atlantic implications as well.

The whole world will be watching the results of the U.S. election.  In Kinshasa, DRC, the U.S. Embassy and NDI, in recognition of the global ramifications of the U.S. elections, will host an election watch event, during which 400-500 Congolese and Americans will participate.  The event will include speeches, panel discussions, educational stalls and a mock voting booth where Congolese will have the chance to "cast their vote."