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.

Author Sarah Chayes highlights a conversation she had with a newly elected member of the Tunisian parliament in this Los Angeles Times editorial. Chayes illustrates the interactions between the left-leaning and secular opposition member and his constituents as well as the questions he grapples with regarding governance in Tunisia.

"Wiping his eyes when the waiter leaves, he changes the subject: 'Here's a question. When they announce the members of the Cabinet, should we, as the opposition, vote no confidence as a matter of principle? That's what some of my party wants. But I'm not sure. I don't know if it's right to systematically oppose everything this government does. The people want change; they'll see us as obstructionist. Besides, the government might have some good ideas.'"