In an interview with VOA, Robert Benjamin, Director for Central and Eastern Europe at the National Democratic Institute in the United States, said the allegations and disputes need to be thoroughly analyzed so that voters can be sure that their voices have been heard. In a conversation with his colleague Keida Kostreci, Mr. Benjamin said that Albania has a chance to create a broad consensus to solve the country's problems.
Tunis, Tunisia – The International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) today announced the arrival of their joint Election Observation Mission (EOM) for Tunisia’s parliamentary elections on October 6. The delegation will be led by Andrew Natsios, former administrator of the U.S.
Washington, DC - John McCain was a patriot, war hero, and giant of the United States Senate. He was also one of the world’s most vocal and effective champions of human rights and democracy. As Chairman of the National Democratic Institute, it was my privilege to work closely with him in his capacity as Chairman of the International Republican Institute to support democratic movements in every region of the world. He embodied American values, serving and sacrificing to protect liberty and to help freedom flourish.
In remarks at the 10th Anniversary of Georgetown University's Masters Program in Democracy and Governance, NDI President Kenneth Wollack reflected on the state of democracy around the world.
"I confess to be an incurable optimist who for 32 years has worked in the optimism business," Wollack said. "Given negative trends over the past decade... I, like my chairman Madeleine Albright, remain optimistic but, I concede, we are optimists who now worry a lot."
On December 12, 2017, NDI President Kenneth Wollack testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. The hearing discussed recent backsliding of Cambodia's democracy and policies that would support democracy and human rights in the country. Find his full remarks here.
NAIROBI, KENYA -- The National Democratic Institute's (NDI) international election delegation to Kenya's August 8 general elections released a preliminary election statement assessing the credibility of the election. The delegation found that the people of Kenya made their voices heard in a peaceful fashion through credible election processes.
Kosovo’s snap parliamentary elections on June 11, 2017, have offered the country an opportunity to move past recent political impasses and reorient political institutions to the pressing needs of its citizens. Continuing a pattern of extraordinary elections, these elections were precipitated by a long-running political crisis set off by the previous parliamentary election, in June 2014. A six-month deadlock over forming the new government led to opposition protests in parliament, some of which turned violent.
This guide aims to identify areas of disconnect between political parties and citizens, and highlights possible areas of party reform. The document includes: key recommendations for reform-minded parties; case studies and personal experiences from party practitioners; and worksheets and critical questions to help parties think through practical applications for the suggestions provided.