Majdouline El Amani and Khadouj Slassi were among the 120 women representing eight Moroccan political parties who came together from all corners of Morocco to share successful strategies for increasing the percentage of elected women in parliament and to discuss how women can advocate for greater leadership roles within their political parties.

Slovaks went to the polls early in March to elect a new parliament. The country of 5.5 million is a member of the European Union and NATO, and has experienced, more than most other former communist countries of the region, a bit of an economic miracle generated by foreign investment in manufacturing, proximity to large consumer markets, and a talented workforce.

When people discuss youth in the Middle East and North Africa, the focus tends to be on young people’s potential for turning toward political and social extremism as opposed to more constructive options. Violence and unrest in the region have increased young people’s disenchantment with politics, frustrated progress, and led to hopelessness in prospects for the future. Youth are the largest and fastest expanding population group in the region. Political leaders have important questions to answer if they are to engage young people.

On Tuesday, April 19, NDI’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jim Swigert, delivered remarks before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the prospects  for democracy in Central America’s Northern Triangle.