A constitutional crisis and coup d’etat tore fault lines across Honduran society in 2009, and the rifts have yet to heal.  To help Hondurans reconcile their differences and revive their democracy, NDI launched a series of eight “democracy dialogues” to bring together leaders of traditional political parties, civil society and the organized resistance to the coup for a structured, respectful interaction.

NDI President Kenneth Wollack traveled to Burma in June to meet with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who he first met on a visit there 16 years ago. Wollack also met with other democratic leaders, including the Central Executive Committee of the National League for Democracy (NLD), along with ethnic leaders and a youth network. He also visited an HIV/AIDS center run by an NLD activist and the Free Funeral Services Society, a nongovernmental group that provides free funeral services and basic education to the poor.

Liberia’s nascent democracy will be tested this year as the country prepares to hold a referendum and an election in rapid succession with limited international assistance. This is in sharp contrast to 2005 when elections were conducted with significant support from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is facing its worst political crisis since inter-ethnic war tore through the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Prolonged ethnic division among the country's three largest groups – Bosniaks (Muslims), Croats and Serbs – have prevented the formation of a government 10 months after general elections. Political and economic reforms needed to advance Bosnia’s bid to join the European Union have stalled.

The first class of graduates from Nicaragua's Certificate in Leadership and Political Management (CLPM) program – which NDI reported on late last year –are poised to jump into political careers. Already many class members have announced they will run for office in November, and some have been promoted to leadership positions within their parties.

The Board and staff of NDI mourned the passing of Charles "Chuck" Manatt, a former Democratic Party leader and diplomat, who was the founding chairman of the Institute.

"While Chuck was perhaps best known as a gifted Democratic Party activist and leader, his many contributions extended well beyond America's shores," said NDI Chairman Madeleine K. Albright. "As the founder and first chairman of NDI, he understood the positive role our country could play in advancing democracy and human rights worldwide. And as ambassador, he represented the U.S. with distinction."

NDI has condemned the assassination attempt against President Alpha Condé of the Republic of Guinea at his residence in Conakry during the early hours of July 19.

"Violence and political assassinations have no place in democratic societies,” said Chris Fomunyoh, NDI senior associate and regional director for Central and West Africa. “As Guinea engages in democratization efforts, its nascent institutions need to be strengthened through continued dialogue among representatives of all sectors of society."