As Sierra Leone continues to rebuild after a decade-long civil war, the issue of land reform has emerged as a topic with particular political sensitivity because it cuts across both ethnic and party lines. Moving land reform forward would have positive implications for natural resource management, agricultural production, and addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization in the country.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Women’s League of Burma were honored by NDI on Dec. 15. Archbishop Tutu received the 18th W. Averell Harriman Democracy Award for his work since the democratic transition in South Africa, which includes his advocacy for democracy in many troubled nations, including Burma. The Women’s League received the 4th annual Madeleine K. Albright Grant, named for NDI’s chairman, for its work promoting human rights and more participation by women in Burma’s democracy movement.

Key findings of a recent NDI public opinion poll in Montenegro paint a picture of a country progressing toward membership in Euro-Atlantic structures, even while the majority of citizens have yet to see tangible benefits of an improving economy and democratic reforms. The November 2008 poll – the second in a series of four polls to be conducted over a two year period – gauged citizens’ attitudes on such issues as government institutions, reform initiatives, and Euro-Atlantic integration.