A hotly-debated topic in Mauritania these days is social security, described as "the foundation for social justice in a modern state" by Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Guelaye, president of the Mauritanian Parliamentary Commission on Public Welfare and Health and author of a recent report on social security reform. "It is an expression of national solidarity: the wealthy pay for the poor, the healthy help the sick and are helped in turn when they fall ill," he said.

As Nicaragua prepares for national elections in November, the domestic observation group Ethics and Transparency (ET) is ramping up efforts to engage citizens in election monitoring activities and a demand for free and transparent polls.

Through a new website, www.vivaelvoto.com, launched June 28, the group is bolstering an ongoing campaign asking all Nicaraguans to become citizen observers and report any electoral problems that compromise the process.

Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, recipient of NDI’s 2002 W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award, has been nominated for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his peaceful efforts to guarantee fundamental human rights for all Cuban citizens.

The demonstrations in Cairo's Tahrir Square, in addition to toppling Egypt's long-time leader, gave a push to efforts by the country's women for equal rights.

Now, Egyptian women are organizing to ensure that they remain equal partners in the ongoing political transition. To that end, NDI has been connecting Egyptian women’s groups with women leaders and organizations from Cambodia, Chile and the United States to share their own experiences and insights into building political power.

Last year’s presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire ended in a violent standoff between the incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, and the internationally recognized winner of the vote, Alassane Ouattara. During the five-month crisis, which ended with Gbagbo’s arrest and Ouattara’s inauguration, more than 3,000 Ivorians died. We spoke with Charles Djrekpo, NDI resident director, about NDI efforts to help the reconciliation process, and how women and youth leaders are the key to a more a peaceful future for Côte d’Ivoire.