Finding innovative ways to reach those who feel excluded from politics can be a daunting challenge, particularly in countries with high illiteracy rates and little tradition of political engagement.

Women who want to enter politics in Burkina Faso face a number of barriers, such as lack of faith in their leadership abilities, few role models and limited opportunities. So it is a struggle in this West African country for women to run for office, rise within party ranks or contribute to party platforms. Those who manage to win elections don’t receive the same level of political party support and training as men and, as a result, have a harder time being successful as office holders.

Working as an intern in the Afghan parliament in 2007, Atifa Safi helped members and parliamentary committees write reports, take minutes, conduct research and analyze data.  She had the opportunity to contribute to the legislative process while seeing the workings of government close up, and the lawmakers benefited from the help that she and other interns provided.

Writing in the Washington Post, NDI's Leslie Campbell, regional director for Middle East and North Africa programs, analyzes Libya's political transition.

By Christopher Fomunyoh, regional country director for Central and West Africa programs

There was almost nothing as striking as arriving in Côte d’Ivoire in May for the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara as president of the country following an armed conflict and a protracted post-election crisis that resulted in more than 3,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced citizens.

As the fight for control of Tripoli continues, NDI staff in Benghazi have been meeting with representatives of the National Transitional Council (NTC) as they plan for the days ahead. NDI Resident Country Director Matyas Eörsi and Senior Advisor David Rolfes report from Benghazi.