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More than 30 years after a wave of democratic change swept through the Americas and enabled citizens to regain fundamental political rights, public confidence in representative institutions remains low. Limited progress in overcoming problems of poverty and corruption, and the marginalization of large sectors of society have weakened the foundation of democratic institutions in a number of countries in the region. Many political leaders and political parties face pressure to become more effective in reaching out to citizens and addressing their needs.

For over 25 years, NDI has partnered with political parties, civil society organizations and emerging leaders to support and strengthen democracy in the region. NDI is non-partisan in its support for democracy and works with political parties across the ideological spectrum. NDI began its work in Latin America by supporting the "No" campaign in Chile against the 1988 referendum to extend Pinochet's rule, through organization of an independent vote count, work with democratic parties and fielding international election observers. Through its civil society work in the region, NDI has contributed to the consolidation of nascent election observation networks in Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela that have played important roles in supporting transparent electoral contests. To promote party reform and modernization, NDI has worked with parties throughout the region to address the need for internal democracy, ethics, transparency and outreach to excluded sectors of the population including youth, women, afro-descendants and indigenous peoples. NDI's regional Leadership Program has helped prepare young party leaders from 56 parties in 11 countries across the region, reaching at least 35,000 party activists. The program has fostered ongoing reform efforts in both governing and opposition parties. Additional program areas have included support for anti-corruption and electoral reforms, legislative strengthening, civic advocacy and education, poverty reduction and citizen security policy development and improving civilian oversight of the military.

NDI's multinational approach reinforces the message that while there is no single democratic model, certain core principles are shared by all democracies. The Institute's work upholds the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also promotes the development of institutionalized channels of communication among citizens, political institutions and elected officials, and strengthens their ability to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

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