Between October and November of 2006 NDI conducted a series of focus group discussions in nine Iraqi provinces. These discussions revealed that one year after the passage of a constitution and the election of a permanent government, Iraqis are experiencing frustration bordering on despair regarding their living conditions and the state of affairs in their country.  Measured expressions of hope and optimism found in earlier research have largely been replaced by words of disillusionment and suspicion. 

On March 28, 2007, 22 Romani activists participating in NDI’s Roma Political Participation Program met with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov to discuss initiatives to improve Romani education.  The meeting resulted in commitments from Parvanov to hold a forum on Romani education, create a database of Romani NGOs to assist in policy development, and encourage media outlets to feature young, successful Roma.