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The transition to democratic government is slow and often difficult in the Middle East and North Africa, yet unmistakable changes have occurred. Political liberalization in several countries has created space for contested elections to be held, for political parties and citizens’ groups to organize, for legislatures to assert their power and for the media to speak more freely.
Democratic norms and freedoms are increasingly part of public demands, and actions by governments are measured both at home and abroad by how they stack up against these norms. Despite some regimes rethinking reform agendas and earlier moves to political openness, demand for democracy and democracy assistance remains strong. There is now a growing need to demonstrate the practical relevance of democratic governance to the lives of citizens. | Read More »
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Algeria
A key component of the Institute’s work in Algeria is helping to strengthen political parties so they are more representative, transparent and internally democratic. | Read more »
Bahrain
Since March 2002, NDI has worked with Bahraini political leaders, civil society members and government officials from across the political spectrum to strengthen political and civil society organizations. | Read more »
Egypt
The Institute has worked with local civic partners on election observation and voter registration projects, most recently during 2008 municipal elections. | Read more »
Iran
The Institute has initiated the Supporting Democratic Initiatives program, which provides reform-minded Iranians with resources and opportunities to share experiences of democratic initiatives. | Read more »
Iraq
The Institute implements programs with the objectives of strengthening democratic institutions, supporting the political participation of women and youth, and helping to ensure open and fair electoral processes. | Read more »
Jordan
NDI is working to help establish representative, sustainable and participatory political systems and institutions. | Read more »
Kuwait
The Institute's programs have focused the need for political associations to be more representative and inclusive, with a particular emphasis on women and youth. | Read more »
Lebanon
NDI supports civic organizations, women activists and reform-minded political parties to help promote a more responsible political system with accountable institutions. | Read more »
Libya
NDI supports the development of Libya's nascent political parties and civil society organizations as they play a role in the political transition. | Read more »
Mauritania
NDI works with local partners to address the difficult task of institutionalizing democratic processes and attending to the scars of authoritarian rule and cyclical military intervention. | Read more »
Morocco
NDI began programming in Morocco in 1996 to strengthen the capacity of multi-sectarian civic groups to influence public policy and monitor elections. | Read more »
Qatar
The Institute, in partnership with the Qatari Permanent Elections Committee, is working to build a corps of civic education trainers. | Read more »
Saudi Arabia
Since 2003, NDI has provided assistance to Saudi municipal councilors, activists and journalists. | Read more »
Tunisia
Since 2000, NDI has supported Tunisian democrats in their efforts to promote a more inclusive and participatory political environment. | Read more »
West Bank and Gaza
NDI seeks to enhance multiparty pluralism by helping democratic political movements to ensure free and fair elections through monitoring and observation. | Read more »
Yemen
For more than a decade, NDI's programs in Yemen have been aimed at strengthening local councils and providing members of parliament with core legislative skills. | Read more »
