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.

Source:  The Daily Beast Article Link:  Read More Published Date:  10/26/2011 Former Rep. Jane Harman, a member of NDI's election observation delegation to Tunisia, write in The Daily Beast about Sunday's elections in Tunisia and it's implication around the Arab world, including challenges and women's political participation. "Today, in Tunisia, democracy wins. Its new leaders are mindful of the opportunity and responsibility to their own people and the region. They can be hailed as the future, or they can blow it."  

Source:  The Washington Post Article Link:  Read More Published Date:  10/24/2011 The Washington Post's editorial board writes that Sunday's elections in Tunisia were "one of the best in the history of the Arab Middle East." The country's leading Islamist party, the Ennahdha party, claimed victory, and the board writes that this could set the standard for upcoming elections is other part of the Middle East.

Source:  NPR Talk of the Nation Article Link:  Read More Published Date:  10/20/2011 On Oct. 20, former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed by rebel forces near his hometown of Sirtre. NDI Chairman Madeleine Albright talks to Neal Conan about what she says is an "important day" for both Libya and the "Arab Awakening" community. Albright also discusses the U.S. and NATO's involvement in Libya, where they joined together in air strikes against Gaddafi forces.

Author:  Andrew Mandelbaum Publisher:  National Democratic Institute Published Date:  09/01/2011 Resource Type:  Survey Language:  English

Source:  The Washington Post Article Link:  Read More Published Date:  10/01/2011 In the Southeast Asian nation of Burma, a country with a history of corruption in it's military junta and with suppressing nonviolent acts, there are encouraging signs that things are changing. This editorial in The Washington Post writes that, since Burmese rulers announced a new era six months ago, promises of reforms have been made and small steps forward have been taken. Even so, the editorial writes that the U.S. should encourage more substantive reform from Burmese leaders before making policy changes.

Because they can give voice to citizen concerns, oversee public spending, and help to spur economic and democratic development through legislation, parliaments are increasingly recognized by the international community for their potential role in deepening democracy. At the same time, citizen groups have become more active in monitoring parliaments, assessing their performance and coming up with new ways to enable citizens to participate in the political process.

Author:  National Democratic Institute Publisher:  National Democratic Institute Published Date:  08/18/2004 Resource Type:  Manual|Handbook Language:  English

Author:  National Democratic Institute Publisher:  National Democratic Institute Published Date:  08/18/2006 Resource Type:  Manual|Handbook Language:  English