In support of NDI’s commitment to increasing the inclusion of marginalized populations in political processes, we’re highlighting the essential work of partners who are at the forefront fighting for greater levels of equality, shifting norms and perceptions, and reducing barriers to political participation for persons with disabilities. 

The Biden Administration’s Summit for Democracy (S4D) is an opportunity to revitalize the global democracy agenda by centering public attention on democracy’s dividends, promoting cross-border collaboration between democratic nations, and by mobilizing governments, legislatures and civil society to tackle their domestic democratic deficits. 

Georgia’s local self-governments - called municipalities - are the country’s only subnational governing bodies, often managing an urban center and nearby towns, villages, and rural areas. Their proximity to the public has made municipal officials the primary implementers and explainers of the national government’s response to the covid-19 pandemic. Municipal leaders have struggled to develop consistent and proactive messages to reduce public fear and frustration while informing citizens about government services.

Each of the countries of the Liptako-Gourma region, a vast area in the center of the Sahel encompassing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, contend with distinctive security threats, but their shared borders and culture create unique opportunities for collaboration. On September 20 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, NDI and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation (KAS) jointly organized a three-day capacity building workshop on the role of traditional and religious leaders in promoting peace, a culture of dialogue, and the exchange of best practices in the Liptako-Gourma region.

Efforts by anti-democratic foreign governments to influence another country’s political landscape are on the rise globally. Through illiberal influence operations or covert actions these governments seek to manipulate political sentiment or public discourse in another country.

Young people in countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) find themselves grappling with similar challenges as they push their governments to be more responsive to the needs of citizens. While the COVID-19 pandemic prevents travel across the MENA region, the National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) hosted and broadcasted a virtual tournament in August 2021 that brought together youth from different countries to debate data-driven solutions to transnational public policy problems.

During the 22-year rule of former Gambian President Yaya Jammeh, dubious voter registration processes contributed to election outcomes that lacked credibility. Now, with the first presidential elections under President Adama Barrow taking place in December 2021, an accurate voter register will be critical in ensuring credible and representative polls. 

Supporting Global Lessons for Effective Executive Transitions

NDI Publishes Global Guide on Smooth Transitions Across Political Contexts