Recent public opinion polling by NDI in Moldova shows that economic issues–such as unemployment, corruption and poverty–continue to dominate Moldovans’ concerns for the country.

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit brought government and civil society leaders from across Africa to Washington, D.C., earlier this month for a three day event, which highlighted Africa as an increasingly important actor in world affairs. The Summit also included forum discussions on the importance of civil society and women’s political participation.

An agreement between Paraguay’s Superior National Electoral Tribunal, USAID/Paraguay and Fundación Saraki earlier this month is a big step forward for the inclusion of people with disabilities in Paraguay’s electoral processes. In particular, the agreement aims to ensure the participation of persons with disabilities in the upcoming municipal elections, which are scheduled for November 2015.

NDI mourns the passing of Willie Blacklow, a colleague and friend who believed in the power of politics to improve people’s lives and who worked to instill the values of democracy as a long-time trainer for the Institute.

Through the years, NDI sent Willie to eight countries on three continents to work with parliamentarians, political parties, minority groups and others as they sought to master the role of communication in order to participate more effectively in the political process.