A prominent member of the Tunisian opposition, Néjib Chebbi has long advocated for a transparent political process, good governance and sustainable economic growth. In 1980 he founded thee Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), known until 2001 as the Progressive Socialist Rally (RSP). A lawyer by training, Chebbi led a vigorous campaign to prevent President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali from seeking his fourth term in 2004.

Congressional staff members from Colombia, Guatemala and Peru had a valuable opportunity to exchange information during a recent video conference program on legislative strengthening put on by NDI and the World Bank Institute (WBI).  The video conference series—the second in two years involving NDI and the WBI—brought the participants together to explore good practices in the areas of lawmaking, effective committees, and oversight and transparency.

The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Somalia last January and the return  of the president, prime minister and parliamentarians to Mogadishu at the end of February created an opportunity for Somali women seeking to play a greater role in the new unity government. To aid in this effort, NDI organized a two-day study tour to Uganda and a four-day workshop in Mogadishu to help women members of parliament (MPs) and civil society representatives plan legislative and advocacy initiatives. The programs resulted in the creation of the Somali Women Parliamentarians’ Association (SOWPA).

The Iran Election Bulletin is a biweekly publication covering domestic political and election issues in Iran in the lead-up to the June 12 presidential election.

The Iran Election Bulletin is a biweekly publication covering domestic political and election issues in Iran in the lead-up to the June 12 presidential election.

By Ali Afshari
Former Member of the Central Council of the Office for Consolidation of Unity; Iranian Affairs Expert

• “Do not vote for candidates who appeal to flattering the Western countries rather than focusing on the targets and aims of the founder of the Islamic Republic (Ayatollah Khomeini).”
  – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a speech during a visit to Kurdistan in western Iran, May 18