Historically, persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Jordan have rarely participated in elections either as candidates or voters due to prevailing cultural stigmatization against PWDs, the absence of accessible polling stations and a lack of awareness on their rights to participate in the electoral process or how to vote. Moreover, disabled persons organizations (DPOs) do not have the capacity to advocate for PWD rights or raise awareness on a large scale. An added challenge is the lack of data about the number of PWDs in Jordan and the types of disabilities in each electoral district. 

Since 2019, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has partnered with the “Access” (Wusool in Arabic) campaign, a coalition of disabled persons organizations (DPOs) across Libya focused on building support for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The campaign not only works on infrastructure improvements, but also targeted outreach and administrative support at higher education institutions as PWDs pursue their degrees. 

Around the world, a diversity of beliefs and nonbeliefs interact with and are integrated into political, social and cultural contexts. This reality makes collaborating and partnering with religious communities to advance development goals, known as strategic religious engagement (SRE), an intricate, yet important, process. 

From the COVID-19 pandemic to the heightening climate crisis to an increase in authoritarian overreach, 2020 has sorely tested the strength of democracies globally. Even while the world continues to reel from the effects of these multiple threats, at least one lesson of 2020 is already apparent: the parliaments most effective in upholding democratic norms and meeting citizen needs are the ones that have maintained a firm commitment to the principles of transparency, openness and accountability. 

Palestinian youth are often associated with the uprisings of the first and second Intifadas and are seldom celebrated as changemakers in their local communities. Today’s young Palestinians are eager to participate in formal political processes and contribute to achieving long-lasting and meaningful changes in their communities. Despite their enthusiasm, youth face severe challenges in finding positive avenues to make their voices heard and communicate their needs to decision-makers. 

From Côte d'Ivoire to Myanmar, Tanzania to Georgia, Bolivia to Jordan, Moldova, the U.S. and beyond, in recent weeks, elections across the globe have highlighted the importance of peaceful transitions. A pivotal moment of the democratic process, peaceful transitions signal a government’s commitment to respect the people’s will in electing their next leader.

Do Candidate Debates Matter?  An International Perspective