Because they can give voice to citizen concerns, oversee public spending, and help to spur economic and democratic development through legislation, parliaments are increasingly recognized by the international community for their potential role in deepening democracy. At the same time, citizen groups have become more active in monitoring parliaments, assessing their performance and coming up with new ways to enable citizens to participate in the political process.

NDI staff in Benghazi continue to meet with representatives of the National Transitional Council (NTC) and political activists. NDI Resident Country Director Matyas Eörsi and Senior Advisor David Rolfes report from Benghazi on the difficulties new political movements and parties are facing.

Working as an intern in the Afghan parliament in 2007, Atifa Safi helped members and parliamentary committees write reports, take minutes, conduct research and analyze data.  She had the opportunity to contribute to the legislative process while seeing the workings of government close up, and the lawmakers benefited from the help that she and other interns provided.