NDI mourns the passing of Andrei Panici, a long time senior consultant to NDI's Moldova office. Andrei, who was 34, died in a hiking accident in Romania on Sunday, November 29.

Andrei's energy and intellect were an invaluable asset within Moldova's growing community of democrats. He was a passionate and versatile political organizer, a trainer, role model and inspiration to parties and civic groups alike. With an unusually broad range of talents, Andrei wore many hats at NDI, serving as a political and civic trainer since 2009. In addition, he led other democratic-oriented training programs for the British Embassy and Black Sea Trust as well as a highly-successful debate club with a large audience throughout Moldova. He will be deeply missed by NDI’s Moldova-based and D.C. staff. Our deepest sympathies to his wife, friends and family.

“Andrei was a crucial member of our team in Moldova. The best words to describe him were mercurial, lively, intelligent and quick.” said Andrew Young, NDI’s resident country director in Moldova. “There was never a dull moment with Andrei and our office will be much quieter without him. His commitment to democracy in Moldova was second to none and not only will NDI miss him, but so will his country. The Moldovan team has lost Andrei but will always be together in spirit. Andrei will always be watching over us to make sure we continue our vital work in Moldova.”