"Semi-presidentialism" — a constitutional form of government with a directly-elected president as well as a prime minister responsible to the legislative branch — is explored in a new book, Semi-Presidentialism and Democracy, co-edited by Sophia Moestrup, NDI senior program manager for Central and West Africa.

The book breaks new ground by offering a truly global review of semi-presidential countries, and examining their differences in operation, performance, impact and evolution.

By Raúl Arce-Contreras and Juliana Ferreira
Following a string of recent premature infant deaths in Ecuador that appeared to result from poor hospital hygiene, there was widespread agreement that authorities needed to act. 

For the first time in Mauritania’s history, parliamentarians and business leaders have come together to discuss how to improve the economic and business climate of the North African country.

The two groups agreed to submit an official report to the Mauritanian National Assembly detailing issues and recommendations, and they plan to establish a commission promoting ongoing collaboration between government and the private sector.