Romania has made definite progress in integrating Roma into the country's political life, but there are still significant barriers that require attention before Roma can be considered full and active participants in the country's political system, according to the findings of a new NDI report, Assessment of Barriers to Roma Political Participation in Romania (also available in

Despite delays caused by investigations of fraud in the aftermath of Afghanistan's Aug. 20 elections, the process should be allowed to run its course so that the government that eventually results is viewed as legitimate by the Afghan people, Peter Manikas, director of Asia programs at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), said in testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia.

The transitional government in Somalia is seeking to boost public dialogue through its new website - http://www.tfgsomalia.net/ - that allows citizens to speak directly to government officials.

The launch ran in conjunction with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s August visit to Africa when, while in Nairobi, she stated that the United States will continue to expand and extend its assistance to Somalia.

NDI's latest report on public opinion in Sudan, entitled Imagining the Election, explores what citizens in Southern Sudan and the Three Areas know and expect of the country's planned 2010 parliamentary and presidential elections.

NDI is pleased to announce the release of its latest report on public opinion in Sudan. Entitled Imagining the Election, the report explores what citizens in Southern Sudan and the Three Areas know and expect of the country's planned 2010 vote.