With the 2nd U.S. presidential debate as a backdrop, 25 visitors from 12 countries came to Hofstra University in New York in mid-October to exchange information about putting on debates in their own countries and witness first-hand the intricacies of organizing the Oct. 16 matchup between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney.

Tunisians remain committed to the democratic process but are becoming increasingly disappointed with their government’s perceived lack of accomplishments, according to the findings of a new round of NDI focus group research.

In the wake of last October’s constituent assembly elections in Tunisia, a number of political parties have come together in various combinations to form a governing coalition and a workable opposition. Such coalition-building is new to Tunisia, where, until the ouster last year of long-time President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, one-party rule was the norm.

Women of all ages, regions and walks of life took to the streets last year during the uprising that led to the ouster of Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. They participated as candidates and campaigners during the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) elections that followed, encouraged by the country’s new electoral law that required a “zipper system” that alternated men and women on candidate lists. As the political transition continues, Tunisian women are playing active roles in civil society and political parties.

Nearly a year after Tunisia’s nationwide protests led to the overthrow of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and inspired uprisings across the Arab world, Tunisians remain proud of their accomplishments and hold high expectations for their new government, according to recent focus group research conducted by NDI.