As Egypt embarks on its journey from autocracy to democracy, Egyptian political party and civil society leaders are finding it helpful to hear from those in other countries who participated in similar transitions in their own countries. Since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in February, NDI has been bringing experts and leaders from Chile, Indonesia, Poland, Romania and Serbia to Cairo to meet with youth leaders, civil society and new political parties about the lessons they learned from their own countries’ experiences.

As Tunisia emerges from decades of autocratic rule, long restricted political parties are grappling with a sudden freedom to organize.

Under President Zine El-Abadine Ben Ali, who Tunisians toppled in January, many opposition parties were outlawed and political debate was severely constrained. Since his departure, more than 40 new parties have been authorized by the transitional government, with about 20 more awaiting registration.

While young people under 25 comprise approximately two-thirds of Rwanda’s population, historically they have lacked meaningful opportunities to engage in politics. An older elite has traditionally made the country’s political decisions, and during the 1994 genocide, political leaders mobilized disaffected youth for violent ends. But today, many young Rwandans hope to channel their untapped power into productive and peaceful political expression.

Thirty-six political parties and two independent candidates in Niger have signed a code of conduct that encourages parties and their supporters to campaign honestly and respect the outcome of Jan. 31 presidential and legislative elections. The polls will mark a return to democratic rule following last February's coup d’état that removed autocratic President Mamadou Tandja from office. NDI worked initially with 16 parties to draft the code, based on examples used successfully in other countries.

Most Iraqis are moderately upbeat about gradual improvements in security, education, health care and other basic services in their country, but concerns about employment temper the public's optimism, according to recent public opinion research. In addition, sectarian divisions remain a major source of concern and a defining characteristic of Iraqi public opinion.