Constituent assembly elections in Tunisia next month – the first competitive poll in the country’s history – will mark a significant milestone in the political transition following the overthrow of autocratic President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January. One of the new legislators’ tasks will be to draft a new constitution.

As Kyrgyzstan prepares for presidential elections Oct. 30, unemployment and corruption are top issues for voters in Central Asia’s first parliamentary democracy. According to recent focus group research, Kyrgyz generally have a positive view of the current government thanks to steps it has taken to improve living standards, including wage increases for teachers, doctors and civil service employees; lower utility costs; and lower interest rates for farmers.

Finding innovative ways to reach those who feel excluded from politics can be a daunting challenge, particularly in countries with high illiteracy rates and little tradition of political engagement.