Despite numerous challenges, Tunisia’s transition to democracy remains on track, said Les Campbell, NDI’s regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, in congressional testimony Dec. 4. Speaking before the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Campbell said, “There is a growing perception in Tunisia that the world has lost interest in this important democratic experiment.

The Board of Directors and staff of the National Democratic Institute mourn the passing of Gene Eidenberg, a long-time Board member and friend who, for more than 23 years, brought his intellect, integrity and passion for democratic politics to the mission and work of NDI.

“Gene loved politics,” said NDI Chairman Madeleine Albright. “He did not disparage the practice of politics; rather, he embraced political action as an avenue to represent the views of ordinary citizens and respond to their concerns, hopes and aspirations with tangible results.”

Despite the slow pace of Libya’s political transition and continuing security concerns, a new public opinion survey reveals that Libyans remain optimistic about the country’s future even though they believe the government’s performance is poor and they voice growing dissatisfaction with Libya’s elected legislature, the General National Congress (GNC.) The survey also details citizen’s opinions on the development of Libya’s new constitution, the status of women, and views on Libyan