East Africa: Legislators Draft Recommendations for Accountability, Transparency in Extractive Industries
Members of the East African Legislative Assembly recently met in Arusha, Tanzania, for a two-day workshop on fostering transparency in the region's extractive industries. The workshop, co-sponsored by NDI, led to the drafting of a resolution proposing cooperation among East African legislators in the management of oil and mineral resources.
Cambodia: NDI Assesses Preparations for National Assembly Elections
A pre-election delegation, in an April 4 report, recognized improvements in political conditions but noted serious remaining problems as the country prepares for July 27 elections.
Georgia: Political Parties Making Progress under Code of Conduct
In the lead up to May parliamentary elections, nine Georgian political parties have signed a Code of Conduct, a voluntary agreement between NDI and the party organizations. The groups have made progress toward accountability but monitoring is needed to encourage best practices, NDI has found.
Jordan: Women’s Election Network Celebrates Second Anniversary
Featuring a keynote address by Princess Basma Bint Talal of Jordan, an NDI-hosted reception in Amman recently honored the the Jordanian Women's Election Network, an NDI partner organization. More than 130 women leaders and activists attended.
Côte d’Ivoire: NDI Helps Political Parties Agree to Code of Conduct
In anticipation of Nov. 30 presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire, NDI, the UN mission in Abidjan and the Ivorian electoral commission co-led negotiations on a code of conduct for Ivorian political parties. The code was adopted April 24 during a signing ceremony attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
NDI Hosts Opening Plenary Session at 2008 World Movement For Democracy Assembly
The challenges facing democracies to spur economic growth, protect human rights and improve people’s lives was the subject of the first plenary session at the 2008 World Movement for Democracy (WMD) Assembly, held in Kyiv, Ukraine, in April.
Serbia’s citizens go to the polls this Sunday, May 11, to select a new parliament, new local councils, and Vojvodina’s regional parliament. The elections, which come in the wake of Kosovo’s declared independence in February, will have much to say about Serbia’s future political direction and democracy prospects.
Egypt: Election Observers Hindered at Polling Stations
The Egyptian Association for Supporting Democratic Development reports that domestic monitors it deployed to observe Egyptian municipal elections on April 8 were denied entry to polling stations and, in some cases, arrested.
Two NDI directors have been featured on National Public Radio commenting on the March 29 Zimbabwe elections. Susan Page, NDI regional director for Southern and East Africa, appeared on NPR’s Tell Me More, and Patrick Merloe, NDI director of programs on election processes, was interviewed on the Diane Rehm Show.
Kenya: Reconciliation Process Underway with Creation of Grand Coalition
Kenya's Grand Coalition, which ended post-election violence and created a power-sharing government, was the product of intense negotiations among opposing political parties and others with mediation experience. To assist in that process, led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, NDI worked with former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik and others to create recommendations that led to creation of a committee to develop a governance platform for implementation of the coalition. Earlier, as violence accelerated after the election, NDI worked with local political committees to develop strategies to keep hostilities from spreading further.
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili met with representatives of non-governmental organizations and congressional staff members at NDI during a visit to Washington on March 20. The session, hosted by NDI and the International Republican Institute, was an opportunity for the president to exchange views on developments in Georgia with the attendees, many of whom represent organizations that work in the country.
NDI Awaits Registration in Tajikistan
NDI has appealed to the government of Tajikistan to approve its application for registration so it can resume work in the country. Two previous 2008 applications were rejected.
Kosovo: Assembly to Improve Transparency by Publishing Recorded Votes
As part of its new phase of democratic development, the Assembly of Kosovo has decided to increase transparency by attaching copies of recorded votes to parliamentary session transcripts and posting them on its website.
NDI Staff Member Held Illegally for Six Days Is Released by Zimbabwe Authorities
Dileepan Sivapathasundaram, a U.S. citizen and senior program officer with the National Democratic Institute (NDI), was released by Zimbabwean authorities today after being detained illegally for six days. He is now safely out of the country.
Bolivia: NDI Supports Women's Leadership Institute
The Simon Bolivar Andean University partnered with NDI in late 2007 to organize the Women's Leadership Institute. The Institute worked to strengthen women's skills at working with media, negotiating conflicts, and other areas. Rigoberto Menchu, the Nobel laureate and former presidential candidate in Guatemala, greeted the institute with a videotaped message of congratulation.
Lessons for Iraq Gleaned from NDI Mission to Northern Ireland
Nine senior members of Iraq’s council of representatives joined with Northern Ireland experts on an NDI-sponsored study mission in Belfast this fall, to learn first-hand lessons in how the Troubles there have been turned into a developing peace.
Macedonia: Parliamentarians Forego Partisanship in Public Hearing Simulation
Legislators and staff of the National Assembly of Macedonia recently shed their party affiliations and positions to engage in a three-day NDI-sponsored public hearing simulation exercise. The simulation demonstrated how public hearings can further the efficiency of committee work within their parliament.
Iraq: Forum in Kirkuk Leads to Political Breakthrough
Adversarial parties in Iraq recently negotiated an end to the year-long Sunni bloc boycott of the Kirkuk Council. The development followed a two-day NDI-sponsored forum in Erbil that brought together Iraqi representatives from eight political parties and 20 civil society organizations from Kirkuk for a first-of-its-kind event.
NDI Sierra Leone Documentary In Pan African Film Festival
A documentary, Side by Side: The Story of the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone, was screened at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. The documentary profiles the development of the 50/50 Group, founded in 2000 to promote the participation of women in Sierra Leone’s post-war politics.
Kenya: NDI Urges Peaceful and Democratic Resolution of Crisis
NDI, in a January 3 statement, called on the government of Kenya, its national political parties and citizens to resolve the current crisis peacefully and democratically. “We urge the Kenyan government and all parties to take advantage of international support and offers of mediation for a rapid and just resolution of this crisis and a return to Kenya's democratic path,” said Madeleine K. Albright, NDI Board Chairman and former U.S. Secretary of State.
Legislative Staff from Four Continents Convene in Washington for Parliamentary Institute
High-level staff from nine legislatures seeking to improve parliamentary research and administration spent two weeks in Washington at a Parliamentary Staff Institute sponsored by the House Democracy Assistance Commission in cooperation with NDI and other organizations.
Pakistan: Daschle sees little progress toward credible elections
In House subcommittee testimony, NDI board member and former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle, leader of a pre-election assessment delegation to Pakistan, said the government has done virtually nothing to ensure democratic elections.
Georgia: Key Election Elements in Line with Democratic Principles; Flaws Need Attention
An NDI election observation mission in Georgia concluded that key aspects of the Jan. 5 presidential election were in line with democratic principles. But it also identified flaws in the process that must be corrected to enhance the integrity of future elections. The delegation said that at the time of its statement, no evidence had been offered to show that the election results would fail to reflect the will of the people.
Observers working with two NDI partners, Al-Hayat and the Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Reserch Center, report significant electoral irregularities in the November 20 parliamentary elections including vote buying, breaching the secrecy of voting, and the use of improper identification by voters. In addition, voters complained of computer errors and problems with voter lists.
NDI Honors President Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone
NDI Board Chairman Madeleine K. Albright
presented the W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Madeleine K. Albright Grant to the courageous women of the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered the keynote address.
Pakistan: NDI Extends Condolences on Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
In a Dec. 28 statement, NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright said former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto “represented the hopes of the Pakistani people for a return to democracy, as she did in 1988 when she became the first woman to lead a Muslim country.” NDI remains committed to the principles for which Ms. Bhutto stood, and believes that her vision of a democratic and stable Pakistan will be realized.
NDI Board Chairman Discusses Democracy in ‘Iconoclasts’ Documentary
NDI Board Chairman Madeleine K. Albright and actress Ashley Judd are featured in the Iconoclasts documentary series on the Sundance Channel. The show follows the two women through a series of conversations in Washington, spotlighting their respective work promoting democracy and public health in developing countries.
Guatemalan Civil society groups boost confidence in election process
Public confidence in Guatemala’s presidential election process was bolstered by Mirador Electoral, a coalition of five independent Guatemalan civil society groups, that fielded election observers, provided an independent verification of results and kept tabs on pre-election campaign activity.
Russia: NDI Supports ODIHR Decision Not To Observe December Elections
Calling the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan deeply troubling, NDI has called on the government immediately to reinstate the constitution, release political prisoners, and pave the way for inclusive, transparent, and credible elections to be held on schedule in January.
Pakistan: NDI Urges Return to Democratic Civilian Rule
Calling the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan deeply troubling, NDI has called on the government immediately to reinstate the constitution, release political prisoners, and pave the way for inclusive, transparent, and credible elections to be held on schedule in January.
Press release, November 8 (PDF) Previously: Pre-election assessment mission urges improvements in Pakistan’s electoral transparency and security
The September 30 parliamentary elections had significant shortcomings, an NDI delegation said, but in many ways met international principles for democratic elections.
NDI joins democrats across the world in condemning the violent campaign by the Burmese junta to quell the fundamental rights of citizens to assemble peacefully.
An international delegation organized by NDI and made up of 52 individuals from 19 countries observed Morocco’s legislative elections on September 7. While members of the delegation witnessed or heard reports of isolated irregularities on the day of the election, overall, the voting went smoothly and was characterized by a spirit of transparency and professionalism. Through the elections, the Moroccan government provided a significant opportunity for its citizens to make their political views known. The low voter turnout (estimated in preliminary figures at 37 percent) and a significant number of protest votes suggest that Moroccan authorities will need to undertake further political reforms in order to encourage widespread engagement in the political process among the potential voting population.
The NDI delegation considers the September 8, 2007, presidential run-off election to be generally transparent and peaceful. The delegation commends the people of Sierra Leone for their determination to exercise their civic and political rights, and the Government of Sierra Leone for helping to maintain a peaceful electoral environment. The leaders of the delegation were: Nora Owen, former Minister for Justice and former Member of Parliament (Ireland); Ken Nnamani, former Senate President (Nigeria); and Christopher Fomunyoh, NDI Senior Associate for Africa (Cameroon). The delegation included 35 political and civic leaders, human rights activists, and election experts from 18 countries in Africa, Europe, and North America.
After protests in April 2006 that led to the end of King Gyanendra’s rule, the government and the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists (CPN-M or Maoists) have negotiated the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, formally ending the civil war; an interim constitution, providing the framework to govern Nepal until a new constitution is enacted; and a United Nations (UN)-sponsored arms management process, intended to canton Nepal Army and Maoist forces and arms throughout the Constituent Assembly election process. In early 2007, the Maoists joined the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) in the ruling coalition, forming an interim parliament and a cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. This parliament will be responsible for governing the country until a Constituent Assembly is formed to draft a new constitution. The interim government has set November 22, 2007, as the date for Constituent Assembly elections.
NDI’s international observation delegation concluded that the April 21 presidential and legislative elections “failed the Nigerian people.” The delegation was led by: Madeleine Albright, Chairman of the NDI Board of Directors and former U.S. Secretary of State; Mahamane Ousmane, Speaker of the ECOWAS parliament and former President of Niger; Amos Sawyer, former President of Liberia; Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada; Jeanne Shaheen, Director of the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government of Harvard University and former Governor of New Hampshire; Justice Yvonne Mokgoro of the Constitutional Court of South Africa; and Kenneth Wollack, president of NDI. The delegation included political and civic leaders, election experts and regional specialists from 16 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, as well as a team of long-term observers who, since March 15, have visited all six of the country’s geo-political zones.
Montenegro’s newly gained independence and recent parliamentary elections have redefined the country’s political landscape. In June, NDI conducted a tracking poll to assess popular political opinion and to help political parties improve their ability to represent Montenegrins’ interests and address their concerns. The poll followed a similar survey conducted in February, and asked many of the same questions in order to track trends in public opinion. Access key findings from NDI’s public opinion poll, June 21 (PDF).
Hungary
NDI, with funding from the OSCE, recently completed an assessment of the impact of Hungary’s Minority Self-Government system on Roma political participation. The assessment of a system often touted as a unique vehicle for ensuring minority rights highlights important findings on the need for more tailored approaches to address the complex array of issues facing minorities, particularly in the areas of social exclusion and discrimination. Read the full assessment here, June 1 (PDF).
East Timor
On May 9, the East Timorese people overwhelmingly elected Nobel-prize winner José Ramos-Horta as the country’s second president. The run-off presidential election took place peacefully and significant
improvements in the efficiency of the counting process were observed. The success of this election is a positive step forward for East Timor and bodes well for the upcoming parliamentary elections on June 30. Read the NDI Election Watch Report here, May 30 (PDF).
Pakistan
From May 13 to May 17, an international delegation organized by NDI visited Pakistan to assess the political environment and the framework for the upcoming elections. The delegation called for President Musharraf to separate the offices of President and Army Chief, reconsider his decision to seek re-election through the existing assemblies, and establish a neutral care-taker government in the lead up to the election and during balloting. Further, the delegation urged specific steps to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, and to protect the rights of all voters to register and cast their ballots on election day. Read the statement here, May 17 (PDF).
Yemen
The 2006 presidential and local council elections represent a noteworthy step forward on Yemen’s path to democracy. Both elections can be described as democratic contests in which voters were presented with credible and diverse candidates from which to choose. NDI released a report based on the election observation conducted in partnership with international and local organizations. Read the report here, April 24 (PDF)
Zimbabwe
In a March 29 Washington Post article, NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright and Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Archbishop of Cape Town, condemn the violent crackdown on political rights in Zimbabwe and call on the international community to acknowledge that silent diplomacy will not resolve the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis. Tutu and Albright urge open dialogue, reform of the electoral code, and transparent and legitimate elections, and call on the African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to take the lead in facilitating this process. This piece is particularly timely, as heads of state from throughout the SADC region convened on March 28 and 29 in Tanzania to hold discussions on Zimbabwe’s future. Read the full text of the op-ed (PDF)
NDI Chairman Madeleine Albright recently released a statement on the deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe. Read the statement, March 20 (PDF)
Albania
NDI conducted a series of activities around the February 18, 2007 local elections in Albania. The initiative connected thousands of Albanians with the political process through televised debates and town hall meetings, and encouraged candidates to focus on issues of public concern. For more information on NDI’s activities read the Albania 2007 Local Elections Activities Summary, March 27 (PDF).
Sudan
To explore the effectiveness of the CPA - and specifically the Abyei and Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan Protocols - in addressing these issues and in resolving key causes of the conflict in the Three Areas, NDI conducted a series of 41 focus groups in 16 locations across the Three Areas between April 26 and July 2, 2006. Read the focus group report from March 7.
Harriman Award presented to Vaclav Havel
On February 20, President Havel was presented with the NED Democracy Medal. This occasion provided an opportunity for NDI to present him with its 2004 Harriman Award, which President Havel was unable to accept at the time. Read remarks from February 20 (PDF).. Read NDI President Kenneth Wollack's remarks from the event (PDF).
Kosovo
In January and February 2007, NDI conducted a new round of focus groups with Kosovo Albanians and Serbs exploring quality of life issues and attitudes toward status. The focus groups were part of an annual program in which NDI works to train parties on the methodology of qualitative research. read the report from February 29 (PDF). Read the full report here (PDF).
Iraqi Voices: Perspectives on Sectarianism and Governance
Between October and November 2006, NDI undertook 24 focus groups in nine provinces of Iraq in order to better understand the outlook and attitudes of ordinary Iraqis toward the events they are witnessing and the prospect that politics may yet prevail. Read a report on the focus group findings, February 1 (PDF). Read the full report here (PDF).
Toward the Development of International Standards for Democratic Legislatures
While there have been many international initiatives to define and monitor the democratic character of elections, there have been fewer efforts to define standards for institutions that result from a democratic electoral process. Legislative bodies that fail to perform their representative oversight ultimately erode popular support for the democratic system itself.
This NDI report is designed to promote discussion within the international community regarding standards for democratic legislatures, thereby helping legislatures become more open, accountable and responsive. Read the full report, January 31 (PDF). Read the full report here (PDF).
Lesotho
NDI organized an assessment mission in advance of the February 17 parliamentary elections in Lesotho. The delegation resulted in a statement which provided recommendations on steps that Basotho election officials, political parties, parliamentary candidates, and citizens can take in advance of the elections to build confidence and encourage participation in the process. Read the statement, January 25 (PDF).
Serbia
On January 21, Serbian voters went to the polls for a parliamentary election. With the long-term goal to strengthen Serbia’s democratic institutions and political processes, the Institute works to build the ability of democratic parties to communicate with voters about their achievements and policy proposals in a positive, relevant, and targeted manner.
On January 11, President Iajuddin stepped down as the head of the interim caretaker government, a constitutional body tasked with holding parliamentary elections, resulting in the declaration of a state of emergency and the indefinite postponement of the January 22 polls. In anticipation of the now-postponed elections, NDI conducted a pre-election assessment and a long-term observation mission.
NDI Senior Associate Patrick Merloe discusses "The Bangladesh Elections: Promoting Democracy and Protecting Rights in a Muslim-Majority Country" before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Forum, October 17, 2006. Click here to read the presentation transcript (PDF).
Nepal
The April 2006 “People’s Movement” that led to the reinstatement of the elected parliament and peace talks with the Maoists has transformed public opinion in Nepal. This research by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner analyzes the results of the nationwide survey of 3,000 adults in August and September, October 21, 2006. Read the full report here (PDF).
Madagascar
NDI sent a pre-election delegation in advance of the country’s December 3 presidential election. The mission resulted in a statement offering an impartial assessment of the electoral environment and recommendations on additional measures to strengthen the democratic process.
Read the delegation's report in English or French, November 2006.
Read the press release in English or French, November 2006.
NICARAGUA
In advance of the November 5 presidential and legislative elections NDI worked with civic groups to encourage citizen participation and a fair and transparent electoral process. NDI's civic partner, Ethics and Transparency (ET), completed audits of the national voter registry and the process for issuance of the national identity cards required to vote. On election day, ET deployed more than 11,000 Nicaraguan volunteer monitors to conduct a quick count of the presidential race, observe legislative races and monitor the legal challenges process following the voting.
International and domestic observers of Macedonia’s July 5 parliamentary elections say that the process generally met international standards despite instances of fraud and violence. NDI’s Code of Conduct for Free and Fair Elections— signed by all major parties and publicized throughout the country— highlighted the need for democratic elections as key to Macedonia’s prospective membership in the European Union and NATO.
In anticipation of the September 20 presidential and municipal elections, NDI organized an international delegation to evaluate preparations for the polls and to make recommendations on measures that can increase confidence and participation in the process. Read the delegation’s report here, August 16 (PDF).
Mexico
Before Mexico’s bitterly contested July 2 presidential and legislative elections, NDI fielded two pre-election delegations to assess the political environment in Mexico and issue reports on their findings.
NDI’s Mexico office also distributed several Election Watch bulletins highlighting trends in the 2006 Mexican electoral process. The September bulletin is the last of the series. NDI is planning forums in the next six months with representatives of civil society and political parties on possible electoral reform options. Read the NDI Election Watch Bulletins
Sudan
NDI is conducting a program in Sudan to encourage civic dialogue as the country makes its transition to the post-conflict era. Searching for a Path to Peace presents findings from NDI’s latest series of focus groups conducted in 14 locations across Southern Sudan and the Three Areas. Click here to read the full report, April 2006 (PDF).
NDI Publications: Political Parties and Democracy
Leading scholars in the field of political parties and democratic governance joined NDI in creating a unique research series:
NDI’s Director of Election Programs, Patrick Merloe, testifies before the United States Commission On Security And Cooperation In Europe (CSCE) on international election observation. Read the May 17 testimony (PDF).
Last year, NDI Chairman Madeleine Albright joined UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and others at the UN in New York to endorse the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation. Full Story...
Nigeria
A high-level international pre-election delegation assesses preparations for Nigeria’s 2007 presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections.
To celebrate the inauguration of Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—Africa’s first democratically elected female head of state—NDI and the Liberian Ministry of Gender and Development convened a forum to discuss women’s participation in African political life. More than 250 African women joined President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the event.
In January, an NDI and The Carter Center joint delegation to the Palestinian Legislative Council elections led by former US President Jimmy Carter, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, former Albanian President Rexhep Meidani and former Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio.
NDI Hosts Opening Plenary Session at 2008 World Movement For Democracy Assembly
Kenya: Reconciliation Process Underway with Creation of Grand Coalition
Georgia's President at NDI
Kosovo: Assembly to Improve Transparency by Publishing Recorded Votes
The Simon Bolivar Andean University partnered with NDI in late 2007 to organize the Women's Leadership Institute. The Institute worked to strengthen women's skills at working with media, negotiating conflicts, and other areas. Rigoberto Menchu, the Nobel laureate and former presidential candidate in Guatemala, greeted the institute with a videotaped message of congratulation.
Nine senior members of Iraq’s council of representatives joined with Northern Ireland experts on an NDI-sponsored study mission in Belfast this fall, to learn first-hand lessons in how the Troubles there have been turned into a developing peace.
Iraq: Forum in Kirkuk Leads to Political Breakthrough
A documentary, Side by Side: The Story of the 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone, was screened at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. The documentary profiles the development of the 50/50 Group, founded in 2000 to promote the participation of women in Sierra Leone’s post-war politics.
Kenya: NDI Urges Peaceful and Democratic Resolution of Crisis
Legislative Staff from Four Continents Convene in Washington for Parliamentary Institute
Pakistan: Daschle sees little progress toward credible elections
Georgia: Key Election Elements in Line with Democratic Principles; Flaws Need Attention
Jordan: Voting Process Marred by Irregularities
Pakistan: NDI Extends Condolences on Assassination of Benazir Bhutto
NDI Board Chairman Madeleine K. Albright and actress Ashley Judd are featured in the Iconoclasts documentary series on the Sundance Channel. The show follows the two women through a series of conversations in Washington, spotlighting their respective work promoting democracy and public health in developing countries.
Russia: NDI Supports ODIHR Decision Not To Observe December Elections
Pakistan: NDI Urges Return to Democratic Civilian Rule
The September 30 parliamentary elections had significant shortcomings, an NDI delegation said, but in many ways met international principles for democratic elections. 
NDI joins democrats across the world in condemning the violent campaign by the Burmese junta to quell the fundamental rights of citizens to assemble peacefully. 
Nepal
Nigeria
Montenegro
Hungary
