Despite their large numbers, young Africans are less likely to vote and are often not represented in decision-making or political institutions. Recognizing the critical role political parties play in political processes, NDI launched the Political Party Leadership Institute (PPLI) in 2020 to enhance young people's participation in formal political party processes.

Disinformation, hate speech and fake news continue to grow as threats to open and democratic societies around the world, and are among the pressing issues that the National Democratic Institute (NDI) is addressing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In Libya, NDI recently launched a multi-platform campaign in partnership with the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides to raise awareness on disinformation and hate speech among youth at the local level.

In Malawi, a growing cohort of young people are entering into careers and politics and looking to reshape the future of governance and development. With over 50% of the population under 18 years old, the number of young people joining new initiatives and seeking to make a difference will continue to increase. Yet, there are limited options for young people, even once they are able to join civil society, to be recognized by older generations for their ability to provide meaningful input and given opportunities to develop new skills of engagement.

On April 11, 2021, Guillermo Lasso, businessman and member of the Creating Opportunities Movement (CREO) party won the Ecuadorian presidency with 52 percent of the vote in a process that was seen by its citizens as a more transparent, free and fair election.

Kyrgyzstan, known for its mountainous landscape and deposits of rare metals, is increasingly gaining recognition for another environmental factor: its air pollution. Air pollution in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, ranks as one of the worst levels in the world, and rates continue to rise. From November 2020 to February 2021, Bishkek’s citizens saw 32 days of hazardous air pollution, as measured by the Bishkek Air Quality Monitor at the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.

In June 2021, NDI launched a new website - ElectionsData.ge - that presents the final results, voter turnout, and other data from every Georgian election since 2008. The site presents public election and voter data, generously provided to NDI by Georgia’s Central Election Commission, to allow Georgian and English-language users to explore, analyze, and present Georgian election data through maps, graphs and downloadable formats. 

Olive oil is an integral part of Tunisia’s economy and livelihood, comprising half of the country's agricultural exports. Given that Tunisia is the second largest producer of the commodity globally, the industry generates a significant source of income, especially in rural areas. However, it simultaneously creates local waste management and environmental challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the work of legislatures worldwide. As these institutions coped with measures intended to curb the spread of the virus, such as lockdowns and social distancing, they were met with new and unique challenges in fulfilling their constitutional mandates. During this time, the role of parliaments to hold governments accountable, pass effective legislation, and fulfill representative responsibilities became more important, because business as usual was disrupted on a scale rarely seen.  

Around the world, LGBTQI+ individuals are discriminated against and prevented from safely attaining their full rights as citizens. In Zimbabwe, pronounced criminalization and discrimination of the LGBTQI+ community has cultivated an environment of fear, exclusion and stigma that impedes their civic participation. NDI, through USAID-funding, is supporting the LGBTQI+ community to meaningfully participate in the 2023 Zimbabwe election process.

How the coalition was formed