Stories

June 7^th, 2017

Turning Fragile Optimism into Stability in Iraq

The ongoing liberation of Mosul has generated a sense of renewed unity and optimism as it may bring a dramatic change in the lives of Iraqi citizens. The political elite is called to transform this fragile unity into responsive governance. Iraqis’ demand for inclusive democratic institutions that deliver on citizens’ high expectations has built a rare momentum for national leaders to bridge the sectarian divide and develop a strong vision for the future.

June 5^th, 2017

Reflect, Reform, Reengage: A Blueprint for 21st Century Parties

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is pleased to announce the launch of a new guide for political parties and party practitioners. Reflect, Reform Reengage: A Blueprint for 21st Century Parties (download) serves as a practical tool to assist parties think through specific types of reforms, helping them become more modern organizations. The Blueprint is organized by the following three sections:

May 30^th, 2017

Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, Madeleine Albright and Senator Kamala Harris inspire the next generation of young women leaders

What do Madeleine Albright, Kamala Harris and Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls initiative have in common? They’re all working toward inspiring the next generation of women leaders (join them). Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls initiative is “...dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves” and changing the world by “being themselves”.

May 15^th, 2017

Guatemalan Congress Exchanges Ideas for Reform with House Democracy Partnership

In 1996, UN-sponsored peace accords ended 36 years of civil war in Guatemala. While democratic progress has been made in the last two decades, political corruption and organized crime have proved to be major obstacles. Weak institutions, extreme concentration of wealth and one of the highest homicide rates in the world have further exacerbated Guatemala’s problems.

May 10^th, 2017

"We are Not Too Young To Run": Youth in Nigeria March to Support Bill

Despite comprising almost half of the Nigerian population, youth have been historically marginalized from entering politics at a state and federal level. Aspiring to increase youth’s participation in Nigerian politics, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), Youngstars Development Initiative (YDI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partnered to launch the “Not Too Young To Run” (NTYTR) campaign.

May 9^th, 2017

Albright Appeals for Continued U.S. Support for Democracy Assistance at Senate Hearing

On May 9, 2017, former U.S. Secretary of State and NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright, testified before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the importance U.S. leadership in supporting democracy globally. In her testimony, Albright made a passionate appeal for continued U.S.

May 9^th, 2017

FAES Foundation Awards NDI and IRI with 2016 Freedom Award

On May 4, the Foundation for Analysis and Social Studies (FAES) based in Spain awarded the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) with its 2016 Freedom Award in recognition of each organization’s work individually and jointly to support freedom and democracy around the world.

May 8^th, 2017

Building Skills for Youth Political Participation in Guinea

Approximately 60 percent of Guinea’s population is under the age of 24, but young people in the West African nation continue to be underrepresented in politics. Their interests and priorities are largely ignored in policies and electoral strategies. More often than not, youth interested in politics find themselves marginalized and feel disenfranchised—a feeling that is shared by many citizens of all age groups in Guinea.

May 8^th, 2017

Iraqi MPs Connect With Citizens at Town Hall Meetings

While Iraqi security forces continue to make progress liberating territories from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), citizens are increasingly focused on the dire economic situation and rampant corruption, which they face on a daily basis. Findings from NDI’s public opinion research indicate that Iraqis feel disconnected from their elected representatives, who they see as apathetic to their concerns and input. They view political parties—not the people—as needing to reconcile and move on to their responsibilities to govern.

May 4^th, 2017

Women MPs and Journalists Confront Gender Stereotypes in Nigerian Politics

A widespread perception among Nigerians is that a vote for a woman is wasted as she cannot win or should not lead—a perception that hampers women from rising in the ranks within parties and from winning elected office. These negative stereotypes about women's political participation exist partly because the information sources that Nigerians trust most, like community leaders or journalists, do not challenge these views and instead negatively portray women in public life.