NDI views the development of effective, democratic, public-sector institutions as a critical component of its mission. It is through improved governance that the benefits of democratic development most directly impact the lives of citizens. Conversely, when governments and parliaments fail to meet public expectations, citizens can lose confidence in democracy’s virtue and may turn to alternative models that rely on authoritarian methods or illiberal models to achieve results. 

In a rapidly changing world, democratic institutions must become more innovative in engaging citizens and adapting to new technologies. Working with legislatures, executive offices, local governments, and good governance advocates, NDI’s seeks to promote effective, 21st-century public-sector institutions and governance processes that operate in a manner consistent with core democratic values of transparency, responsiveness, inclusion, integrity, and accountability