Organized crime and an exponential growth in violence have generated serious challenges to democratic institutions in Mexico. Despite concerted efforts by the Mexican government against organized crime, many citizens, particularly in border cities, feel that the government is not providing even basic protection, and they have begun to speak out individually and collectively about their concerns.

NDI has maintained a presence in the Palestinian Territories since 1994, working with Palestinian political parties, civil society organizations, and activists to facilitate a more competitive multiparty system with representative institutions that are responsive to the Palestinian public. In addition, NDI has also conducted international election monitoring missions for major Palestinian elections, including the 2005 local elections and, in partnership with the Carter Center, the 2005 presidential election and the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections.

While men in Bangladesh hold the majority of powerful positions in politics and society generally, some women have been able to break into the power structure. To celebrate their achievements, as well as to inspire women seeking roles in the future, the Bangladesh Alliance for Women Leadership (BDAWL) has released Who's Who: Women Leaders at a Glance, the first such reference book ever released in Bangladesh.

NDI and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) have signed an agreement to collaborate on efforts to enhance representative government around the world. The association is a group of national and subnational legislatures of the Commonwealth, representing some two billion citizens from all faiths and ethnicities from six continents.