The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
Related Articles
Democracy Updates
In Yemen, tribal conflict is a backdrop affecting the country's economic development, governance and national stability. Disputes over land claims and competition for resources and government services often lead to violence and cycles of revenge killings that can extend over a decade, hindering the work of government and international development agencies, and isolating citizens from the state.
Within tribes, young people are particularly affected by, and increasingly engage in, violence. Research by NDI shows that young people are the most likely to initiate conflict or break established truces. With almost half of Yemen's population under age 15 and another one-third aged 15 to 29, a significant percentage of the population is growing acclimated to violence as the primary means to address or resolve conflict.
Partner Spotlight
To encourage young Jordanians to participate in politics, the Al-Hayat Center for Civil Society Development has launched a campaign focused on engaging and registering young voters for Nov. 9 parliamentary elections. The campaign is based in part on the findings of a survey conducted by Al-Hayat, in partnership with NDI, designed to uncover young people's attitudes toward political involvement and specifically their experiences in the previous election in 2007.
In-Country Perspectives
Romania has made definite progress in integrating Roma into the country's political life, but there are still significant barriers that require attention before Roma can be considered full and active participants in the country's political system, according to the findings of a new NDI report, Assessment of Barriers to Roma Political Participation in Romania.
Citizen Participation
Deepening democracy so it can provide tangible improvements to people’s lives is an overarching objective of NDI’s citizen participation programs. Making democracy work requires informed and active citizens who understand how to voice their interests, act collectively and hold public officials accountable. Citizens must understand ideas about citizenship, politics and government. They need knowledge to make decisions about policy choices and the proper use of authority, along with the skills to voice their concerns, act collectively and hold public officials accountable. Citizens also need to have the desire to exercise their rights, and they need the political space to do so without unreasonable resistance or harassment from authorities or others.
NDI’s citizen participation programs – including support of civic and voter education, get-out-the-vote efforts, issue organizing and advocacy, budget oversight and government monitoring – help citizens master the techniques needed to initiate action, solve complex problems and become leaders in their own right.
For more than 20 years, NDI has conducted programs to activate and empower citizens and civic groups, establish strong civic cultures and achieve an appropriate balance of power between citizens and government.
About Citizen Participation
Our Approach
Our Relationships with Civic Partners
Subscribe to updates about citizen participationContribute
Search
In this section
Our Programs in ...
Select a country:
Related Publications
National Democratic Institute | 2030 M Street, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3306 | tel: 202.728.5500 | fax: 202.728.5520