As we prepare to celebrate the annual collective memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is important to reflect upon the symbol of his legacy and its relevance to democracy. The theme of this year’s celebration of Dr.

On November 20, 2021, two presidential candidates in The Gambia took to the stage in an historic moment to debate their policies and plans ahead of the December 4 presidential election. This was the first debate between presidential candidates since The Gambia became an independent state in 1965. Until December 2016, when Gambians voted out then-President Yahya Jammeh, the mere discussion of politics or the slightest criticism of the country’s leadership could result in arrest, forced disappearances or worse.

The September 5, 2021 coup d'etat in Guinea was a dramatic political upheaval for the country. Overnight, the military junta dissolved the National Assembly and abrogated the constitution. While the junta has since discussed a return to democratic rule, the path forward remains unclear. Despite this uncertainty, NDI is supporting local civil society partners as they work toward an inclusive democratic transition. 

Solomon Islands, like other Pacific Island countries, is bearing the brunt of climate change, which has been accelerated by the exploitation of natural resources. With support from USAID, NDI launched a 10-month program to help young activists develop the skills to advocate on behalf of their communities and the environment in Solomon Islands.

It might be cold outside for democracy. For the fifth consecutive year, the number of countries moving in an authoritarian direction exceeds the number of countries moving towards democracy. It might be close to midnight for freedom. 2020 was the 15th year in a row that we saw a global decline in freedom.

NDI launched the Open Election Data Initiative in 2015 to better equip civil society, election administrators and technologists with the concepts and tools to effectively advocate for, access and use election data that is truly “open.” In the last five years, governments expanded and improved the availability of election-related data, while civil society enhanced awareness and the capacity to collect and analyze such data.

Democracy never stops, even in the face of a globally broadcast Zoom call. During a session of the Legislative Track of the Summit for Democracy, featured panelist, Polish MP Hon. Agnieszka Pomaska took viewers into the parliamentary chambers while she voted and simultaneously spoke about parliament’s role in fighting executive overreach.

The National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional, PAN) in Mexico recently sought to use transparency to better engage with citizens.