Latest from ndi.org

Center-Right Political Party Youth Leaders Gather from across the Balkans to Form Political Network

fgalleto — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:24:50 -0500

As ethnic divisions ease in the Balkans, political parties across the spectrum are finding the need for new approaches that focus on thoughtful policy debate rather than personality and ethnicity. Young leaders in particular will play an important role in these changes.

Cuba: Black Spring Seven Year Anniversary Amidst Desperation and Hunger Strikes

fgalleto — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:15:03 -0400

For four days in March 2003, in what is known as the Cuban Black Spring, 75 Cuban journalists, librarians, and democracy and human rights activists were arrested and imprisoned by Cuban government officials. Those detained were sentenced to six to 28 years for their peaceful advocacy for political, social and economic reforms.

Cuba: Black Spring Seven Year Anniversary Amidst Desperation and Hunger Strikes

fgalleto — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:15:03 -0400

Algerian Muslim Scout Leaders Inspire Youth to Engage in Politics

fgalleto — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:09:52 -0400

Young people age 35 and under make up more than half of Algeria's population, but they are largely absent from political life. Broad confidence in the government is lacking, with youth seeing no clear benefit to getting involved at even the most basic level in their communities. The political system provides few openings for young people to participate in a constructive manner. Their mounting frustration is sometimes taken out through street protests, which can turn violent.

NDI Launches Website that Adds Transparency to Afghanistan Election Data

fgalleto — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:47:38 -0500

An innovative online mapping tool for analyzing election results data from Afghanistan's Aug. 20 presidential election using demographic, ethnographic, topographic and security information was launched last month by NDI. The tool also identifies areas that had significant electoral irregularities.

More Work Needed to Develop Public Trust in New Philippine Automated Voting System, NDI Delegation Says

rrunyan — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:52:54 -0500

MANILA – Concerted efforts will be needed to develop public trust in the Philippines’ first automated election to be held May 10, according to the findings of an international pre-election delegation organized by NDI.

More Work Needed to Develop Public Trust in New Philippine Automated Voting System, NDI Delegation Says

rrunyan — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:52:54 -0500

Citizens and Candidates Connect at Iraqi Election Forums

fgalleto — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:37:15 -0500

In anticipation of national elections on March 7, Iraqi civil society activists held 16 candidate forums throughout the country to engage voters in the political process, improve the dialogue with candidates and focus attention on priority issues for voters, such as water, electricity and education.

"From Kitchen to Parliament" - Women in Bangladesh Look Toward the Future

rrunyan — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:13:09 -0500

In Bangladesh, traditional gender roles keep most women from gaining political power. A recent forum, "Celebrating Women's Leadership in Bangladesh," brought together female MPs and other Bangladeshi women with political aspirations to inspire and encourage them to run for office and to work together across party lines to increase women's political participation in the country.

International Organizations Seek Consensus on Parliamentary Benchmarks

rrunyan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:49:19 -0500

At a unique gathering in Paris last week, key international parliamentary associations gathered to assess progress on reaching consensus on minimum benchmarks for democratic parliaments – one of the key pillars of representative democracy. While there is broad international agreement, for example, on minimum characteristics of democratic elections, international benchmarks on other democratic processes and institutions are still emerging.