The recent, rapid rise in the use of digital technology is changing relationships between citizens, organizations and public institutions, and expanding political participation. But while technology has the potential to amplify citizens’ voices, it must be accompanied by clear political goals and other factors to increase their clout.

Kosovo’s first woman mayor, Mimoza Kusari-Lila of Gjakova, thinks that politics is a bit like riding a bicycle. You shouldn’t look down, but concentrate on the road ahead. “When you run for office, you shouldn’t focus on bumps and obstacles in the road,” she said, “but bear in mind the reason you entered politics.”

She knows the value of perseverance, having run for office twice in four years, finally succeeding last November. Her success, she said, “was the success of all women that helped me in this process.”

The President of Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly, Mustapha Ben Jaafar, was hosted at a small dinner in Washington, D.C., May 6 by NDI Vice Chairman Thomas Daschle and NDI President Ken Wollack. Dr. Ben Jaafar discussed the commitment of Tunisia's political leaders to resolving differences through consensus as they steered the country through its democratic transition and the drafting of a new constitution.