Eurasia: Ukraine
NDI Programs in Ukraine
NDI is committed to providing long-term assistance to democratic political development in Ukraine. Since 1992, NDI has conducted programs in Ukraine with democratically oriented political parties, elected officials, and civic activists. NDI's programs in Ukraine are funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the National Endowment for Democracy.
In the first 13 years after winning independence in 1991, Ukraine's transition to a democratic political system and market economy was difficult and slow. Rampant corruption, especially the influence of powerful economic interests on politics significantly undermined both economic and political development. In November 2004, widely discredited presidential elections brought about mass civic protest and resulted in new elections and the ascension of a reform government led by President Viktor Yushchenko
Political Party Development
NDI seeks to strengthen reform-oriented political parties, and has consistently worked with political parties across the political spectrum. Over the last 13 years, NDI has conducted political party training with the national and regional leadership of reformist groups, helping them develop their platforms, internal structures, and bases of support. To assist with the democratic transition following the election of a reform government, NDI continues to meet with national and regional party leaders to help them develop strategies and define their new roles in opposition, ruling and independent parties.
Civic Organization
NDI has provided advice, assistance and support to the Committee of Voters of Ukraine (CVU), a nonpartisan election-monitoring group established in 1994. In addition to election-monitoring CVU now advocates for election law reform, and accountability and transparency. It conducts public education campaigns in cities and towns throughout Ukraine that help ordinary people understand and exercise their rights to hold government officials accountable. NDI is helping CVU continue to serve as an independent monitoring organization and adapt to the new political environment by functioning as a "watchdog," reporting on government and promoting greater transparency in government. NDI is also increasingly providing training to other civic organizations on advocacy and other skills.
Parliamentary Development
NDI seeks to strengthen the cohesiveness of democratically oriented factions and help their deputies maintain contact with their constituents. NDI has conducted training sessions with parliamentarians from coalitions and Verkhovna Rada committees that focus on expanding constituent contact, strengthening party relations and promoting cohesion and cooperation within and among factions.
Field Presence
NDI established a field office in Kyiv in September 1992, which serves as the headquarters for NDI's nationwide programming in Ukraine. NDI's staff in Kyiv includes political party, legislative, and civic organizing trainers.
Contact Information
For more information on NDI's work in Ukraine, please contact:
Washington, DC
Laura Jewett, Regional Director
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Ukraine
Marta Kolomayets, Resident Director
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Updated March 2008
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