NDI opened an office in Baku in 1995 and has since worked to foster a more open and pluralistic political environment through programming that focuses on civil society development, political party strengthening, and electoral reform and election monitoring.
Political Party Development
NDI collaborates with all of Azerbaijan's major political parties to share international experiences with party leaders and activists, Efforts have focused on developing more democratic organizational structures within their parties, creating better-defined party messages, and improving internal party communication and regional branch development.
Civic/Election Organizing
Since 2001, NDI has partnered with the Election Monitoring Center (EMC), a nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization promoting free and fair elections and the development of democratic institutions. EMC has observed six elections and has trained more than 4,000 observers. NDI has consulted with and trained EMC staff on planning and preparations for monitoring the October 2008 presidential election.
Women’s Political Participation
Since 2006 and in collaboration with the Organization for the Protection of Women's Rights (OPWR), NDI has implemented a program in eight regions to bring together women political and civic activists to identify and develop strategies to address community problems. The program also promotes discussion among women, NGO representatives, and government authorities about women's participation in the decision-making process, including identifying steps towards solving community problems.
Regional Information Centers
NDI has seven active regional information Ccnters in Ganje, Tovuz, Ali-Bayramli, Yevlakh, Sheki, Khachmaz, and Jalilabad. The centers are platforms for encouraging citizen participation in local decision making. They provide a venue where citizens can take responsibility for solving problems in their own communities and also provide free and independent information. Centers distribute a daily news digest and hold discussion club meetings and workshops among civil society organizations, local government and citizens. The discussions cover issues related to women’s political participation, unemployment, education, international affairs, public infrastructure and access to public utilities, human rights and legal reforms, and local government accountability.
Funding
NDI programs in Azerbaijan have been funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
Contact Information
For more information about these programs, use our contact form or contact:
Washington, D.C.
Laura Jewett, Regional Director
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