| Page 427 | National Democratic Institute

Report on Voter Registration in the Republic of Yemen

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Yemen Election Monitoring Network (YEMN) conducted a joint observer mission to monitor the voter registration process. The principle objectives of the observation mission were to:

provide an accurate and objective assessment of Yemen’s 2008 voter registration process;
ensure the rights of eligible voters to register or change their voting domicile; and
build public confidence in electoral and democratic processes in advance of the parliamentary elections.

The Presidential Elections in Iran and Political Armageddon

By an Anonymous Journalist

The 2009 Elections: Who’s In and Who’s on the Fence

Iran’s Presidential Candidates Respond to Perceived U.S. Overtures

By Geneive Abdo
Middle East analyst, The Century Foundation

What Fate for Iran’s Reformists?

By Masih Alinejad

By Geneive Abdo
Middle East analyst, The Century Foundation

Iran

Iran’s current political system is based on the 1979 Constitution that followed the Islamic Revolution and amendments passed by popular referendum in 1989. While parliament and the president are directly elected, power in Iran is largely consolidated within a few governing bodies. The Supreme Leader, Iran’s highest-ranking political, military, and religious authority, and the twelve-member Guardian Council, an appointed body of legal specialists and clerics, have the ability to veto any legislation they deem incompatible with Shar’ia law.

Liberian Legislature Program Helps Bring Democracy to the People

As Liberia continues on the path to democratic governance, one of the key institutions in this transition is the legislature, the most diverse in the country’s history. Twelve percent of the House of Representatives and 17 percent of the Senate are women, and first-time legislators form a significant portion of the membership.

Bangladesh: Opposition pivotal pillar of parliamentary democracy: Somnath | Feb. 22, 2009

The Daily Star | Link to story »

Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee emphasised good understanding between the ruling and opposition parties in parliament as he said opposition is a parliament’s pivotal pillar. Somnath was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a four-day parliamentary orientation course for the new members of the 9th Parliament … The Washington-based National Democratic Institute (NDI) and USAID have jointly arranged the programme.

Language English

Bangladesh: Don't let democracy derail again: PM | Feb. 22, 2009

BDNews24.com | Link to story »

The prime minister has asked the people to be watchful against any ‘backdoor’ attempts to derail democracy again in Bangladesh, which has experienced military rules and unconstitutional governments in the past. Addressing the first ever orientation workshop for newly elected MPs, the prime minister said the Dec. 29 elections could take place because of "people’s courage".