A conference on Constitutionalism and Term Limits attended by former African heads of state, civil society leaders and media professionals gathered in Niamey, Niger, from October 2 to 4, 2019, at the invitation of NDI and its partners, the Kofi Annan Foundation, OSIWA and the Africa Forum, to discuss constitutionalism, democratic consolidation and the peaceful transfer of executive power across the continent. The participants extend their sincere thanks to the Government of Niger and His Excellency President Mahamadou Issoufou for hosting the conference. 

Niamey, Niger - The National Democratic Institute (NDI) in partnership with the Africa Forum; the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA); and the Kofi Annan Foundation will jointly host the Constitutional Term Limits Summit from October 2-4 in Niamey, Niger. AllAfrica Global Media has been selected as the official media partner. 

TBILISI – Poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and CRRC-Georgia, show that the perception of the country’s direction is at its lowest since 2010, with 49 percent saying the country is moving in the wrong direction, and only 18 percent believing it is heading in the right direction. The top issues for Georgians remain focused on the economy -- jobs (48 percent), rising prices and inflation (34 percent), and poverty (33 percent). 

NDI surveys public opinion to help Georgian stakeholders diagnose and address issues of public concern by providing accurate, unbiased and statistically-sound data. This poll aims to capture the most relevant information to foster the development of responsive policies and governance. A wide range of leaders from across the political spectrum have reported that the polls are important to their work and encourage continued polling.

With funding provided by the Government of Canada, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) recently conducted qualitative public opinion research in five provinces in Iraq: Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salahaddin. Results show that the most pressing need among Iraqi citizens in provinces formerly occupied by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is finding job opportunities and improving their economic situation. This is seen as a precondition for satisfying other necessities which the government is failing to provide, mainly water and electricity.

In September 2018, NDI organized a set of 12 focus groups to gauge public attitudes on the performance of the parliament and members of parliament (MPs), views on the recent municipal elections and opinions on upcoming regional, legislative and Presidential elections. The research also explores ideas related to citizen outreach, priority issues for the upcoming legislative year and possible amendments to electoral law and the constitution.  The research marked the Institute's 20th round of focusgroups since the revolution of 2011 and the ninth since 2014 elections.