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.

Since its independence in 1960, the Central African Republic (CAR) has struggled to overcome political instability, mutinies and rebellions. On March 24, a coalition of rebel groups, Seleka (“union” in Sango), overthrew the government of President Francois Bozizé. Following the coup, one of the rebel leaders, Michel Djotodia, appointed himself president, formed a new government and stated his intent to remain in power until presidential elections are held in 2016. Following the coup, citizens have faced pervasive looting, and a lack of water and electricity.

In mid-March, Yemen began its National Dialogue, bringing together political and civil society leaders from diverse political backgrounds to discuss the direction the country will take. As the process gets underway, new public opinion research shows that most Yemenis believe the country is headed in the right direction, though a slim majority in the south disagrees. The conclusions are based on a poll, conducted Jan. 26-Feb. 6, that consisted of 1,486 face-to-face interviews throughout the country.

While Albania has significantly improved its electoral framework, the success of June’s parliamentary polls will depend on how well political polarization and manipulation of the process are held in check, according to the findings of a National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election assessment mission released in Tirana today.

Legislative elections are fast approaching in Guinea and political tensions are on the rise. The anticipated May 12 polls will mark the West African country’s first competitive legislative elections, and there is increasing mistrust and suspicion between ruling and opposition parties.  In the past week, politically motivated riots have broken out in the capital, Conakry, leaving many people wounded and several dead.