Ukrainians went to the polls May 25 to vote in the most important election in the country’s independent history. After months of political upheaval, protests and violence, the country overcame significant challenges to hold a generally well-run presidential election.

NDI fielded a 38-member delegation, co-led by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, NDI’s chairman, and Ana Palacio, former foreign minister of Spain.

The group met with national political leaders, presidential candidates, election officials, senior government officials, representatives of nongovernmental organizations, the media and the diplomatic community, and observed voting and counting processes in 11 regions of the country on election day.

“By turning out to vote yesterday across the vast majority of the country, Ukrainians did more than elect a new president,” NDI said in a preliminary statement. “They showed the world their commitment to sovereignty, unity and democracy.” Read more»

At a May 29 panel discussion in Washington, D.C., members of observer delegations from NDI and the International Republican Institute discussed their experiences in a program entitled, "Ukraine's Path to Democracy: A Look at the Presidential Election." View photos here»

Madeleine Albright Luncheon Celebrates Women's Empowerment

NDI held its annual Madeleine K. Albright Luncheon May 19 celebrating women’s political and economic empowerment. The event featured a keynote address by Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Aswat Nisaa (Women's Voices) of Tunisia accepted the Albright Grant for its work creating opportunities for women in politics in post-revolution Tunisia. Before the luncheon, an expert panel explored the links between politically empowered women and economic development. Learn more and watch the videos »

Also catch this message from Secretary Albright»

Week of Women Empowers Emerging Leaders in Kosovo

Kosovo's third annual Week of Women conference brought together more than 100 emerging women leaders for panel discussions, skills-building sessions, and networking and strategizing opportunities designed to promote women’s advancement in politics, business and society. Read more»

New Study Examines Relationship Between Citizen Participation and Technology

The rapid rise of digital technology is changing the way citizens, governments and organizations communicate with and engage each other. “Citizen Participation and Technology: An NDI Study” examines how the use of digital technologies – such as social media, interactive websites and SMS systems – influences citizen participation. Read more»

Tunisian Youth Focus on Building Blocks of Party Organizing

Young people in Tunisia played a leading role in the 2011 protests that launched the Arab Spring, and they are eager to assume more responsibility in their political parties ahead of upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. More than 100 young activists from five parties recently came together to focus on the “building blocks” of party organizing—from collecting and using data on voters, to organizing grassroots campaigns, to message development. Read more»

Also in Tunisia, a new round of focus group research suggests that Tunisians are optimistic about the country’s political progress. But they want more communication with their leaders to understand the new constitution and preparations underway for the next election. Read more»

CAR President Inspires Congolese Women Politicians

Central African Republic (CAR) President Catherine Samba-Panza, the first female president of a Francophone country in Africa, is an inspirational figure for African women. During a recent visit to Kinshasa, President Samba-Panza sat down with Congolese women politicians to discuss the trials and triumphs of promoting women's rights and equal political participation, especially in countries where armed conflict, corruption and inequality are commonplace. Read more»

Legislative Openness Highlighted at Regional Meetings of the Open Government Partnership

At recent regional meetings of the Open Government Partnership in Asia and Europe, high-level officials from government, parliament and civil society came together to discuss challenges parliaments face in engaging citizens, and the role citizens play in monitoring legislative transparency. Read more»

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