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TUNIS, Tunisia — Today, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) joint international Election Observation Mission, released its preliminary statement following Tunisia’s parliamentary elections.
The World Health Organization estimates 15 to 20 percent of the world’s population (approximately one billion people) as having a disability. Persons with disabilities are the world’s largest minority group and more than 80 percent of the world’s persons with disabilities live in developing and post-conflict countries.
The UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund in Iraq is funding the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to conduct independent public opinion research across Iraq. The three-year project aims to help the Government of Iraq, civil society and the international community to monitor and understand conditions in Iraq, and to better understand and respond to the needs of citizens as they evolve over the longer term.
Peaceful and credible elections are essential for democracy to thrive. When elections are peaceful, free and fair, it can help facilitate a smooth transfer of power from one administration to another and confer legitimacy on elected officials. Despite its importance, the process of electing leaders in Nigeria has been plagued by a myriad of problems ranging from voter intimidation and suppression, to harassment and outright violence etc.
When the Liberian House of Representatives convened its first sitting on January 15, 2018, more than half of the lawmakers seated in the chamber were reporting for their first day in elected office. The October 2017 elections ushered in a wave of change, with voters in 43 of the 73 districts choosing new lawmakers to represent them. This trend, however, is not new to Liberia.
On March 29, Mali held legislative elections as the country was coming to grips with the coronavirus pandemic. The official campaign period, which began March 8, was in full swing before the World Health Organization’s pandemic declaration forced the country to adopt restrictions on travel and large gatherings on March 11.
Ensuring accountable, transparent and inclusive elections in which women are free to participate equally is a cornerstone of any democratic system. Elections offer pivotal moments to strengthen women’s political participation and change the face of politics to better reflect a country’s citizenry.
Across Libya, the National Democratic Institute’s (NDI’s) partners have organized themselves to effectively address the COVID-19 crisis. In conflict-affected settings like Libya, responses from community stakeholders have bolstered and supplemented a limited central response.
From June 20-25, in cooperation with its four partner debate clubs and the participation of more than 60 young debaters, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) held the latest event in its Voice of Change—Youth Debates program: a virtual debate tournament. Despite substantial challenges, including power cuts and issues with internet accessibility and connectivity across the country, 16 teams (four from each club) participated in the single-elimination tournament.
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.