The ongoing liberation of Mosul has generated a sense of renewed unity and optimism as it may bring a dramatic change in the lives of Iraqi citizens. The political elite is called to transform this fragile unity into responsive governance. Iraqis’ demand for inclusive democratic institutions that deliver on citizens’ high expectations has built a rare momentum for national leaders to bridge the sectarian divide and develop a strong vision for the future. 

Despite comprising almost half of the Nigerian population, youth have been historically marginalized from entering politics at a state and federal level. Aspiring to increase youth’s participation in Nigerian politics, the Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), Youngstars Development Initiative (YDI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partnered to launch the “Not Too Young To Run” (NTYTR) campaign.

While Iraqi security forces continue to make progress liberating territories from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), citizens are increasingly focused on the dire economic situation and rampant corruption, which they face on a daily basis. Findings from NDI’s public opinion research indicate that Iraqis feel disconnected from their elected representatives, who they see as apathetic to their concerns and input. They view political parties—not the people—as needing to reconcile and move on to their responsibilities to govern.

The remote location and socioeconomic status of many Cambodian provincial communities have historically marginalized rural voters from the political process. During Cambodia’s 2013 election, a lack of civic education led to frequent misunderstandings of the electoral process, deterring many rural voters from casting ballots. To curb this trend in the upcoming 2017 and 2018 elections, the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), has launched a campaign of voter education workshops throughout the country, with profound interest from rural voters.

Opposition-held areas in Syria provide an opening for civic activism and political expression that is not possible in parts of the country still controlled by the Assad regime. In these places, official government services no longer exist. To address this gap, NDI works with the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) and the Syrian Interim Government (SIG), which along with local councils have stepped in to act as governing bodies and provide much-needed services to communities in crisis.

Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country, having declared independence in 2008 following United Nations’ oversight in the wake of armed conflict with Serbia. Fittingly, Kosovo boasts Europe’s youngest population. Kosovars young and old are building sovereign institutions of government and are creating a culture of civic activism.