Chile’s 1988 plebiscite — in which citizens voted to end the dictatorial rule of General Augusto Pinochet — was a pivotal event in that nation’s history, as well as in the history of democracy around the world.

The victory of the anti-Pinochet “no” forces came against significant odds, which were discussed by key participants in the campaign at a March 26 panel preceding a showing of the Oscar-nominated film “NO” in Washington, DC, at the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). The film, by Pablo Larrain, has drawn new attention to Chile’s return to democracy.

While Albania has significantly improved its electoral framework, the success of June’s parliamentary polls will depend on how well political polarization and manipulation of the process are held in check, according to the findings of a National Democratic Institute (NDI) pre-election assessment mission released in Tirana today.

Legislative elections are fast approaching in Guinea and political tensions are on the rise. The anticipated May 12 polls will mark the West African country’s first competitive legislative elections, and there is increasing mistrust and suspicion between ruling and opposition parties.  In the past week, politically motivated riots have broken out in the capital, Conakry, leaving many people wounded and several dead.