In spite of significant democratic advances, citizens across Latin America are dissatisfied with the performance of democratic institutions and elected officials. Corruption, insecurity, inequality, and lack of economic opportunity and avenues to participate in public life have fueled protests across the region.  

“Women leaders are not just found in the political sphere,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) at the National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) 2016 Madeleine K. Albright luncheon earlier this week. “Women are leading anywhere women are, which is everywhere.”

NDI mourns the passing of Patricia Derian, who served as the first assistant Secretary of State for human rights during the administration of President Jimmy Carter.

"Through Patt Derian's courageous and tireless efforts, thousands of lives were saved," said NDI President Kenneth Wollack. "She was a driving force in giving concrete expression to President Carter's human rights policy. NDI always will honor her legacy."

Derian served on NDI's Senior Advisory Committee. 

After the third attempt in twenty years to enact reform legislation governing the country's political system, Guatemala’s Congress celebrated a big step forward this past month with the passage of highly-anticipated reforms to the Law on Elections and Political Parties (LEPP). The LEPP reforms approved in April encompass a series of measures focused on improving the country’s political and electoral system, and respond to weaknesses made apparent during the 2011 and 2015 general elections.

How can the United States be a more effective partner in supporting democratic development in Africa? This was the subject of a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing this week, which featured Patrick Merloe, senior associate and director of election programs at NDI.

During a recent parliamentary exchange program facilitated by NDI, the Ranking Member of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP), Rep. David Price (D-NC), opened up to a group of 22 members of parliament (MPs) and parliamentary staff from nine countries, sharing that “most Americans are cynical about the integrity of the system. And the reason is because big money talks.” This phenomenon is not unique to the United States.

Dr. Chris Fomunyoh and his team had a busy week last week. NDI’s Regional Director for Central and West Africa had been invited by both the Senate and the House to testify about how the United States can better incorporate democracy strengthening activities in its counterterrorism assistance.