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'Innovation Network' Connects Leaders Across Latin America
Latin American political leaders are increasingly using technology to help address such problems as poverty, corruption and lack of government transparency. But solutions identified in one country are often unknown in another. Red Innovación (RI), or “Innovation Network,” is working to change that by connecting social and political innovators throughout the region to share new ideas aimed at making government more responsive. This new virtual forum connects political parties and civil society with experts, and even provides online courses on issues ranging from transparency to cyberactivism.
Experts who have participated recently in RI include Antanas Mockus, the former mayor of Bogotá, and Dan Wagner, former data director for President Obama's 2012 campaign. Read more»
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Students in Jordan Debate in First-Ever National Competition
This summer, students in Jordan participated in the country's first-ever national student debate competition. The students were part of the Ana Usharek, ("I participate") and Usharek+ programs, which have helped hundreds of students learn advocacy and debate skills. Participants have gone on to work with civil society, appear on television to talk about the program, and arrange debates among students and political candidates. Read more»
Provincial Councils Provide Local Accountability in Afghanistan
While politics at the presidential level get the most attention in Afghanistan, local government often has a more direct impact of Afghans’ everyday lives. The country’s 420 provincial councilors are the face of government for most citizens, and NDI has worked since 2005 to help them engage citizens, oversee development programs and work with parliament to make sure funds are spent properly. Read more»
Citizens Seek Role in South Sudan’s Constitution
South Sudanese believe they are an essential part of their country’s constitution-making process, according to a recent NDI focus group report. “We do not want the big government people to do it alone,” said one participant, reflecting on the broad segment of those taking part in the study. Read more»
ZESN says Zimbabwe Elections Peaceful, but Compromised
The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), in its preliminary statement on Zimbabwe’s July 31 elections, said they were relatively calm and peaceful, but “seriously compromised by a systematic effort to disenfranchise urban voters up to a million voters.” Read more»
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‘6x60’ Initiative Works to Enhance Women’s Political Leadership in Mexico
Though Mexico has made progress in increasing women’s political participation, women still struggle for leadership positions in decision-making bodies. The “6x60” initiative brought together representatives from federal and local government, political parties and civil society to create proposals to help increase the number of women in leadership roles. Some of these will be incorporated into bills that the the Senate Gender Equality Commission will introduce this fall. Read more»
Libyans Remain Optimistic About Their Country’s Future
Despite the slow pace of Libya’s transition, citizens still believe that democracy is the best form of government, according to a recent NDI public opinion poll. Read more»
Presidents of Niger’s Parliamentary Groups Visit the European Parliament
Though Niger is one of the world’s largest uranium producers, lack of oversight of the country's vast natural resources often results in poverty and income inequality. NDI brought the presidents of Niger’s five parliamentary groups, or caucuses, to the European Parliament (EP) to help them improve parliamentary oversight and inter-parliamentary cooperation. Read more»
Aung San Suu Kyi Visits NDI’s New Parliamentary Research Center in Burma
Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma's National League for Democracy (NLD), visited NDI's new Parliamentary Resource Center (PRC) in the capital city of Naypyitaw on Aug. 6. The PRC is designed to provide technical support to members of parliament at this early stage in the country's transition by offering a place where they can conduct research, hold workshops, and receive training. Read more»
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