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.

Washington, DC, - Today, September 4th, former Ambassador Derek Mitchell takes the helm as the National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) new president. Now in its 35th year, the change in leadership comes at an important moment in NDI’s history.

With funding from the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, NDI fielded a national public opinion poll in Iraq from February to April 2018. The results show that Iraqi men and women are refocusing on economic challenges of unemployment and corruption. Iraqis are positive about their future. Sectarianism is losing its public appeal with results showing that most Iraqis are willing to compromise for the unity of the country. However, though security forces enjoy broad public support, trust in governing institutions and structures is at a critical low.

Iraq - The UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund in Iraq is funding the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to conduct independent public opinion research across Iraq (download polling report). The first of six surveys has been released today.

Lebanese voters who participated in NDI's public opinion research following the country's long-awaited parliamentary elections on May 7 signaled dramatically increased optimism about the direction of the country, and held mostly positive views about the administration of the election itself. The results indicate that Lebanese voters cast their ballots with the country's stability in mind, with the hope that this could translate into economic development and job creation, which along with corruption and healthcare remain at the top of citizen policy priorities.

On June 14, 2018, NDI President Kenneth Wollack testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The hearing discussed support for democracy and human rights as an important American value and a core tenant of U.S. foreign policy. The hearing also discussed democratic backsliding and other challenges to the spread and consolidation of democracy.

NDI Ukraine's latest nationwide survey (completed in December 2017) showed several important trends, including growing support for gender equality in political life. For the first time, more than half of Ukrainians (52 percent) support the equal participation of men and women – or more women than men – in political life.