• “Karroubi and Karbaschi appear as one”
  – headline in the reformist Etemad-e-Melli newspaper, March 4

By Geneive Abdo
Middle East analyst, The Century Foundation

By Geneive Abdo
Middle East analyst, The Century Foundation

In advance of Jan. 31 provincial elections in Iraq, nearly 1,000 candidates took part in NDI training programs on campaign skills such as messaging and get-out-the-vote strategies.

Speaking at briefings on Capitol Hill, Erin Mathews, NDI director for Iraq programs, described how the elections provided insight into the dynamics at work as Iraq continues its democratic transition.  She noted, for example, a major shift among voters away from extremist and religious parties.

While the security situation in Somalia remains precarious, NDI is working with Somali leaders to strengthen the country’s transitional parliament and other government institutions as they work to support national reconciliation efforts.