In early May, NDI sent a team to Benghazi, to meet with Libyans and assess what they will need for a successful democratic transition. Les Campbell, NDI director for Middle East and North Africa programs, writes about his experiences.

Monitoring how governments work is an important citizen responsibility in democracies. Have elected officials fulfilled their campaign promises and are they worthy of being returned to office? Have there been abuses of power? Are taxpayer funds being spent in a responsible manner?

These are just some of the questions facing citizens as they scrutinize government performance, which can be a daunting task, particularly in new and emerging democracies where few citizens have the experience or tools to monitor effectively.

A recent focus group study by NDI finds that in Burundi, a country historically fraught with ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis, citizens today express little apprehension about current or future ethnic strife. Instead, it is regional, political, and economic differences that divide Burundians. And, despite politically-motivated violence and an opposition party boycott of 2010 elections, Burundians still embrace democracy and see elections as the best means for choosing their country’s leaders.

The 10 million Roma living in Europe make up the fastest growing ethnic group on the continent and face disproportionate challenges from poverty to violence. Today NDI celebrated the culture and achievements – and highlighted the plight – of these unique European people, commonly called “gypsies,” in honor of the 40th anniversary of International Roma Day.