NDI - Belarus

Sandra Pepera

skincaid — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 18:41:17 +0000

Sandra Pepera is a career diplomat and international development professional. Before joining NDI as its director for Gender, Women and Democracy in 2014, she spent thirteen years as a senior officer at the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), including leading programs in the Caribbean, Rwanda-Burundi and Sudan. Prior to joining DFID, Sandra spent time in British domestic politics; lecturing in political science and international relations at the University of Ghana; and as a political analyst in the Political Affairs Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She has a portfolio of skills and experience which include strategy development, political and risk analysis, diplomacy, general management and corporate governance.

Much of Sandra’s career has been spent working in or on transitional economies, focusing on the building of resilient and inclusive institutions. She led work on women and politics at the University of Ghana and in outreach public policy during the period of intense and unstable political transition in the early 1990s. This included participating in a program that supported the ANC Women’s League during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to majority democratic rule in 1993.

Sandra is a member of the Cambridge Sustainability Leaders Network, the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Global Board Ready Women initiative, and the International Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Journal for International Affairs (the Round Table). She holds the Financial Times Diploma for Non-Executive Directors, and serves as a trustee for the pension fund of an intergovernmental organization.

Empowering Women for Stronger Political Parties: A Good Practices Guide to Promote Women's Political Participation (Now available in Burmese)

fstovall — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:31:07 +0000

Author:

Julie Ballington

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute United Nations Development Programme

Published Date:

10/31/2011

Resource Type:

Manual|Handbook

Language:

Arabic, Burmese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Urdu

English

Arabic

French

Spanish

Russian

Urdu

Attachment	Size
Read the manual (English)	2.49 MB
Read the manual with case studies (English)	3.45 MB
Read the manual (Arabic)	1.9 MB
Download the poster (Arabic)	1.18 MB
Read the manual (Burmese)	4.59 MB
Read the manual (French)	2.57 MB
Download the poster (French)	670.54 KB
Read the manual (Russian)	2.82 MB
Download the poster (Russian)	256.16 KB
Read the manual (Spanish)	2.59 MB
Download the poster (Spanish)	680.95 KB
Read the manual (Urdu)	3.74 MB
Read the manual with case studies (Albanian)	10.91 MB

Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes

dleonard — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:59:44 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

03/06/2014

Resource Type:

Manual|Handbook

Language:

Arabic, English, French, Indonesian, Russian, Spanish, Uzbek

English

Arabic

Spanish

Russian

Attachment	Size
Download the manual in Arabic	2.54 MB
Download the manual in English	3.24 MB
Download the manual in French	2.36 MB
Download the manual in Indonesian	16.34 MB
Download the manual in Russian	2.37 MB
Download the manual in Spanish	16.87 MB
Download the manual in Uzbek	3.85 MB

Increasing Women’s Political Participation Through Effective Training Programs: A Guide to Best Practices and Lessons Learned

fstovall — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 20:08:23 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

10/23/2013

Resource Type:

Training Manual

Language:

Arabic, English, French, Russian, Spanish

English

Arabic

French

Spanish

Russian

Attachment	Size
Download the manual (English)	994.16 KB
Download the manual (français)	1.02 MB
Download the manual (РУС)	1.31 MB
Download the manual (español)	1.08 MB
Download the manual (بالعربية)	787.23 KB

Technology, Transparency and Government: NDI Staff on Using Technology for Democracy

dleonard — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:28:03 +0000

Jeremy M. Weinstein, associate professor of political science at Stanford University, speaks during the conference, Right to Information and Transparency in the Digital Age: Policy, Tools and Practices.

New technologies are giving citizens more information about their governments than ever before, and they hold the potential to create even more transparency. But the same solutions do not necessarily apply across the board, and one challenge is finding the right remedy for individual situations.

These and other issues were explored at a conference at Stanford University, Right to Information and Transparency in the Digital Age: Policy, Tools and Practices, held March 11-12, at which NDI was invited to present five papers examining approaches it has taken to information sharing in various countries. Over the last 30 years, the Institute has helped local partners around the world use appropriate technologies to strengthen democratic institutions, safeguard elections and increase citizen participation.

One of the papers, Political Organizing in Closed Societies: Building Support for Democratic Change in Belarus, explored the Institute’s efforts in Belarus, which has a closed and opaque government where little information is available. Lindsay Beck, senior program assistant for NDI’s technology programs, looked at how technology could make information more accessible to citizens, opposition parties and voter registration groups.

She described how NDI worked with local partners to set up ways to more securely collect, store and manage voter information through the development of a locked-down online management system. Previously, voter information was inaccessible to members of opposition political parties, making communication with supporters and collection of voter data almost impossible. Voter information was collected securely using tools like Tails (The Amnesiac Incognito Live System, a portable operating system that allows users to browse anonymously without leaving a trace on your computer. In upcoming 2014 local elections and the 2015 presidential election this information will help parties and political organizations share voter data, and communicate with and engage supporters.

NDI used a completely different -- and lower tech approach -- in Liberia, where it worked with a former chief clerk from the Montana State Legislature to create a bill tracking system. It had three key ingredients - large manila envelopes, an excel spreadsheet and bills in the process of becoming laws - which were already available so no training or new equipment was needed.

In a paper titled, “Small Small”: Challenges and Lessons Learned in Integrating New Communication Strategies and Technology into West African Legislatures, Lauren Kunis, an NDI senior program officer for Central and West Africa, explained that “small, small” is a Liberian expression that means “slowly but surely”, and said that in some situations, incremental changes lead to the most success over time with technology-based programs.

The new system helps members of the House of Representatives keep track of where a bill is in the legislative process and who has possession of the physical document. The information is kept on a tracking sheet and updated onto an Excel spreadsheet, which is then printed out and posted on a bulletin board, keeping the process transparent and making the information available to the media and all all other interested parties. While not the most cutting edge technology, it is an appropriate one based on the legislature’s resources and level of technological expertise.

The paper highlights the importance of relationship building within legislatures, designing projects that are the right size and cost, and making step-by-step instead of drastic changes. Smaller-scale projects can change opinions about the importance of technology, which helps garner support for future projects.

A paper by Chris Doten, NDI technology program manager, focused on the challenge presented when a legislature makes information available but citizens have no means to access it. In Open Data is the Beginning, Not the End: Civil Society Organizations as Analysts to the People, he analyzes NDI’s work with Freedom Fone during elections last year in Ghana. The project aimed to make election information and civic education lessons accessible to radio stations over mobile phone networks that don’t require access to the Internet. The goal was to disseminate information faster, cheaper and more easily than before, when information was burned onto CDs and then mailed or driven around to radio stations.

Doten argues that election data should be publicly available, but if there is no distribution system, it becomes the proverbial tree falling in the forest with no one to hear it. Freedom Fone is an example of a technology that can distribute information over a dispersed, diverse population, without relying on an Internet connection or equipment that radio stations may not have. All they need is a mobile phone.

Real Names and Responsible Speech: The cases of South Korea, China and Facebook, written by NDI’s David Caragliano, argues that the benefits of anonymous speech online outweigh the costs. For at least a decade, governments have considered requiring web users to register their real names and identification numbers with online service providers before posting comments on the providers’ websites in an effort to enforce to responsible speech. A close examination suggests that real name registration by governments is also part of a strategy to silence dissenting voices. In authoritarian as well as democratic contexts, however, implementation of real name policies has been uneven and generally ineffective. The paper suggests that the cost of enforcing real name registration makes it an unwelcome proposition for the online service providers that would have to implement it. In time, Internet regulators may conclude that real name registration is more trouble than it is worth.

The final paper, Enhancing Citizen Participation Through Information and Communications Technology, written by Koebel Price, senior advisor on NDI’s civic participation team, found that more research into the the outcomes of technology-based programs is required. While more people are using technology in democracy promotion projects, the success rates of these programs and technological tools are rarely measured or assessed. Using Uganda as a case study, Price concluded that technology and communication advances alone are not enough to combat entrenched power inequalities; civic education, dialogue and participation are also required to carry out successful democratic promotion projects.

The conference included 14 speakers and 19 presentations on topics such as citizen journalism, crowdsourcing and e-democracy. Other presentations covered an interactive voice forum in India called CGNet Swara, a platform that allows citizens to record and listen to messages on important local topics; the crowdsourcing event that helped draft Iceland’s constitution; and the Botswana Speak program, an initiative that uses mobile technology to connect citizens with governmental leaders at the local, regional and national level through a tool called the Parliamentary Communication System. Beyond the presentations, workshop participants explored ways to use technology to store, process and distribute public information for citizens and governments.

Read more:

Published April 15, 2013

Declaration of Global Principles for Nonpartisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations and Code of Conduct for Nonpartisan Citizen Election Observers and Monitors

fstovall — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:06:44 +0000

Publisher:

United Nations

Published Date:

04/03/2012

Resource Type:

Declaration

Language:

Arabic, Bangla, English, French, Mongolian, Romanian Russian, Spanish

English

Arabic

French

Spanish

Romanian

Russian

Attachment	Size
Read the declaration (Arabic)	267.58 KB
Read the declaration (English)	897.79 KB
Read the declaration (Bangla)	8.27 MB
Read the declaration (Burmese)	302.33 KB
Read the declaration (French)	327.02 KB
Read the declaration (Indonesian)	16.61 MB
Read the declaration (Mongolian)	345.97 KB
Read the declaration (Romanian)	275.41 KB
Read the declaration (Russian)	286.22 KB
Read the declaration (Spanish)	326.57 KB
Read the declaration (Urdu)	370.99 KB

Importance of Authentic Elections and Unhindered Election Observation Stressed at OSCE Warsaw Meeting

fstovall — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:03:47 +0000

Statements on the importance of genuine, competitive elections, the need for election observation and follow up were presented last week on behalf of the United States by Patrick Merloe, NDI’s director of electoral programs, at the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Warsaw, Poland.

At the opening plenary session of the Warsaw meeting. Photo by OSCE/Piotr Markowski

The gathering, which brings together hundreds of government representatives, human rights activists and international experts, is considered the most important human rights event of the year in the OSCE region. Merloe was a public member of the U.S. delegation, which was led by Ambassador David Johnson.

Merloe presented the two statements on Sept. 30. The first noted that “free and fair elections are a necessary part of a healthy democracy” but added that “technically well-run polling does not mean that the election process is democratic." He emphasized that “a genuine electoral process also requires an open pre-election environment in which citizens can participate fully, political parties can operate freely, independent media can flourish, and an independent judicial system operates effectively.” The statement assessed the character of recent elections in several OSCE countries, including negative elections in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan and generally positive elections in Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Macedonia.

The second statement addressed the importance of the overall election environment in determining whether an election meets OSCE standards and concluded by stressing that, "The United States supports OSCE election observation. ... We also believe that follow-up to recommendations made by the observer mission is very important."

Merloe also responded to a question from the chairman of Russia's Central Election Commission, who was speaking for the Russian delegation, about why observers are needed. "The Copenhagen Document [which contains OSCE commitments on democratic elections] and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provide a clear answer,” Merloe said. “They both say that the authority of government derives from the will of the people expressed in genuine elections. So, citizens, in effect, own elections, because that is where sovereignty truly resides. Citizens have the right to know that their elections are genuine. Hence, domestic observers are needed."

Read more:

Published Oct. 5, 2011

NDI E-news: Democracy Day, Libya, Pakistan, African Elections | Sept. 2011

fstovall — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:15:40 +0000

Sept. 15, 2011

Happy Democracy Day!

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"Independence!" A woman casts her ballot in the January referendum creating the new country of South Sudan. Photo by Susan Stigant, senior program manager.

Sept. 15 is International Day of Democracy, an annual global celebration of human rights, the rule of law and other principles that unite democracies around the world. The day was designated by the United Nations to reaffirm the universality of democratic values and recognize the aspirations of people around the world to have a say in how they are governed and make free choices about how they live their lives.

Nowhere have those aspirations been more prominent this year than in North Africa, where popular uprisings have ousted dictators in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. In Libya, the Institute has been working closely since April with the National Transitional Council (NTC) as it creates a plan for a constitution, elections, national security and the protection of civil liberties. In a country where political parties have been outlawed and maligned for 40 years, NDI is helping fledgling parties create platforms and attract supporters. Writing in the Washington Post, Les Campbell, NDI regional director for Middle East and North Africa programs, expressed optimism about the prospects of a successful transition and outlined the positive steps the council has taken already. Matyas Eörsi, resident country director in Benghazi, spoke to NPR about the high expectations — globally and in Libya — facing the country's new government.

For more than 25 years, in more than 70 countries, NDI has worked to strengthen new and emerging democracies. This Democracy Day, consider contributing to our work and support people in North Africa and around the world who want a voice in how their countries are governed.

Pakistan to Extend Political Reforms to FATA

President Asif Ali Zardari's recent decision to extend political and legal reforms to Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is the result of a lengthy effort by political parties and other organizations to bring more democratic systems of governance to a region considered a haven for militants and religious extremists. The reforms, supported by NDI, will allow political parties to form and operate in FATA for the first time, and will amend a draconian criminal code first enacted by the British in 1848.

Ensuring Women and Young People Take Part in the Political Process

Women and youth have a significant role to play in new and emerging democracies. In Sudan, caricature art helps engage young people who feel excluded from the political process. In Burkina Faso and Iraq, women are learning the skills they need to run for office and build successful political careers. In Nicaragua, the first class of graduates to earn a certificate in leadership and political management are ready to start their political careers. And in Afghanistan, one young woman is helping others prepare for careers in government by starting an internship program that places students in provincial council offices.

Celebrate Democracy with these Upcoming Events

Save the date! NDI will hold its annual democracy dinner on Nov. 7. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will headline the event, which also includes a panel discussion on the Arab Spring. The dinner and an awards ceremony will recognize those who have spent a lifetime supporting democracy.

On Sept. 23, Alassane Ouattara, president of Côte d'Ivoire, will speak at NDI, where he will discuss his government's efforts to rebuild the country's economy and foster national reconciliation in the wake of violence following last November's election. This event is full, but will be streamed live.

Toward Better Elections in Africa

Across Africa, countries are taking steps to ensure more transparent and accountable elections. A recent referendum in Liberia was monitored by the Elections Coordinating Committee, a civil society coalition that provided a nonpartisan assessment of the process and will monitor upcoming presidential and legislative elections. In Côte d'Ivoire, which recently experienced a violent crisis in the aftermath of its November presidential election, citizen election monitors gathered to discuss their role in mitigating violence in legislative polls scheduled for later this year. And in Zambia and Mauritania, NDI fielded delegations that assessed both countries' preparedness for upcoming elections and suggested improvements.

Coming Together for Common Goals

Democracy can't solve longstanding political or cultural divisions overnight, but it can bring different groups together to discuss issues and arrive at common goals. In Bosnia, eight politicians are reaching across party and ethnic lines to tackle the country's biggest challenges together. And in Honduras, where the effects of a 2009 coup and constitutional crisis are still reverberating, a series of "democracy dialogues" is bringing people together to find common ground.

Public Opinion Research for Better Policy Platforms

Public opinion research helps political parties and governments address the issues their constituents care about most. In Iraq, people want politicians to focus on jobs, the economy, and water and power delivery. In Somalia, focus group research shows that citizens are losing faith in their transitional institutions and are looking for ways to provide ideas to move their country forward. In Belarus, citizens distrust the Lukashenko regime and blame it for current economic problems. But they remain pessimistic about the prospects for opposition parties. And in South Sudan, citizens want to end tribalism above all else, seeing themselves primarily as Southern Sudanese.

NDI's Washington Office is Moving

NDI's new office

Update your address book! As of Sept. 19, NDI's Washington, D.C., headquarters will be located at 455 Massachusetts Ave., NW, on the eighth floor. All telephone numbers will remain the same.

Belarusian Public Opinion: The Political and Economic Situation Prior To and After the 2010 Presidential Elections

fstovall — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:44:32 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

08/31/2011

Resource Type:

Focus Group Report

Language:

English

Attachment	Size
Read the report	189.14 KB

NDI E-news: The Middle East, African Elections, Belarus | Jan./Feb. 2011

fstovall — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:10:35 +0000

February 2011

Now the Hard Work Begins...

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Egyptians celebrate in Tahrir Square. Photo by RamyRaoof.

Following weeks of protests in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Bahrain, thousands in Libya are now advocating for political freedoms long denied by the country's regime. The government has responded with beatings, shootings and arrests. NDI condemned this government-backed violence and joined calls for the immediate cessation of attacks against Libyans who are exercising their right to peaceful assembly, and for a democratic transition.

As democracy advocates raise their voices throughout the Middle East, analysts and commentators have turned to NDI seeking insights into the implications of the ongoing changes for the future of democracy in the region. In The New York Times,
The Washington Post, on CNN and elsewhere, NDI leaders and staff have offered commentary and interpretation as the historic changes have unfolded.

The Institute has a long history in the region. Its first office, for the West Bank and Gaza, opened in 1994. Since then, NDI staff have also been based in Egypt,
Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon,
Mauritania, Morocco and Yemen. Institute programming also encompasses Algeria, Bahrain,
Kuwait,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia
and Tunisia.

In all of these countries, NDI has established partnerships with political parties, civic groups, parliamentarians and others seeking to promote peaceful reform and have a voice in how they are governed. The Institute works to share organizational skills, comparative experiences and tools to connect democratic activists within and between countries.

In response to the developments in Egypt, for example, NDI is putting Egyptian activists in touch with political leaders from Chile, Poland and elsewhere so they can take advantage of lessons learned during other democratic transitions. It's similar to work the Institute has done in many other places and times, such as when it brought opposing Northern Ireland factions together in South Africa in 1997 to learn from Nelson Mandela and others how to negotiate peace and reconciliation.

African Election Roundup: Nigeria, Sudan, Niger

In Nigeria, NDI is conducting an international observation mission to analyze the electoral process before, during and after presidential, legislative and local elections scheduled for April. Regular updates can be found in Nigeria Election Watch, which is based on reports from NDI's long-term observers, who began assessing election activities throughout the country from January and will continue through May. Subscribe»

In Sudan, NDI's civil society partners, the southern-based Sudanese Network for Democratic Elections (SuNDE) and the northern-based Sudanese Group for Democracy and Elections (SuGDE), observed
all stages of the recent referendum
in which Southern Sudan voted to secede from the north. The groups concluded
that "the Southern Sudan referendum allowed the free expression of the will of the people for self-determination."
Read more»

Before presidential and legislative elections in Niger, 36 political parties and two independent candidates signed a code of conduct that encouraged parties and their supporters to campaign honestly and respect the outcome of the Jan. 31 vote and the runoff election set for March 12. Read more»

Women in Afghanistan, Guatemala, Ukraine Overcoming Obstacles to Elected Office

Among the 249 members of Afghanistan's lower house of parliament are Farida Hamidi and Frishta Amini, two women who make up the entire delegation from Nimroz province. Despite the risks faced by female candidates, both women ran strong campaigns and garnered more votes than their male opponents. Read more»

In Guatemala, where indigenous women are 20 percent of the population and hold only one of the nation's 333 mayoralties, Isabel Francisco discusses her campaign for mayor of Santa Eulalia, Huehuetenango. "This is my third time as a candidate," she said. "The first time I finished in fifth place. The second time I finished in third place. This time I'm hopeful I'll win!" Read more»

Zinayida Galchynska promised herself that if she survived breast cancer she would run for local office and make a real difference in her community. She kept that promise and is now a councilor in Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine — thanks in part to the skills she learned at an NDI campaign school and a campaign based on going door-to-door to meet voters. Read more»

NDI President Urges International Support for Belarusian People

NDI President Kenneth Wollack outlined ways the international community can provide moral support and practical assistance to political and civic leaders, media and ordinary citizens in Belarus, where government forces engaged in a brutal crackdown following failed elections Dec. 19. Wollack was speaking at a Jan. 27 hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs. Read more»

Colombian Municipal Councilors Hone Good Governance Skills

In Colombia, newly-elected municipal councilors generally are expected to learn on the job. To help them gather the skills they need, an NDI program focused on how to identify the needs of their constituents, develop policies to address those needs, and engage with citizens and the media. Read more»

NDI Adds 2010 Afghanistan Elections Data to Mapping Website

Complete data from Afghanistan's 2010 parliamentary elections have been added to
afghanistanelectiondata.org, the Institute's innovative mapping website
. The site now includes data from Afghan elections beginning in 2004, as well as demographic, ethnographic, topographic, security and other information. Visitors can create visual analyses of voting patterns and other assessments, or segment and envisage data and maps in a variety of ways.
Read more»

New NDI Publications

NDI, one of the world's largest publishers of Arabic-language resources and references on democracy support, has just released its latest catalogue. It includes a listing of publications and information on how to order them. Read it in Arabic | English»

Drawing on its 25 years of experience in the women's political participation field, NDI has published a new guide for democracy practitioners to help them develop and carry out effective programs to bring more women into government and politics. Democracy and the Challenge of Change: A Guide to Increasing Women’s Political Participation, helps the user develop, carry out, monitor and evaluate women’s political participation programs. The guide provides a rationale for focusing on increasing women’s participation and includes examples of best practices, case studies and practical strategies.

The new guide, Political-Process Monitoring: Activist Tools and Techniques, explores the work that the Institute and its partner groups have done for legislative, budget-related and campaign-related monitoring, shadow reporting and monitoring government follow-through.

Crackdown in Belarus

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:59:44 +0000

Source:

The Washington Post

Article Link:

Published Date:

02/16/2011

This editorial in the Washington Post urges the Obama administration and the European Union to adopt harsher measures against Belarus if trials go forward for dozens of former presidential candidates, journalists, and opposition activists.

"If the trials go forward, however, the sanctions must get tougher. The Obama administration should try to persuade E.U. governments to adopt sanctions against the oil monopoly, Belneftekhim. Alexander Kozulin, who ran for president against Mr. Lukashenko in 2006 and was subsequently imprisoned for more than two years, says that he is convinced his release stemmed from such company sanctions. Mr. Kozulin and other Belarusan leaders say that they also hope President Obama will personally and publicly condemn Mr. Lukashenko, which would, at least, boost the morale of those facing trial."

NDI President Urges International Support for Belarusian People

fstovall — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:41:07 +0000

NDI President Kenneth Wollack outlined ways the international community can provide moral support and practical assistance to political and civic leaders, media and ordinary citizens in the aftermath of the brutal crackdown by government forces in Belarus following failed elections Dec. 19.

Wollack spoke at a Jan. 27 hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs.

NDI President Kenneth Wollack outlined ways the international community can provide moral support and practical assistance to political and civic leaders, media and ordinary citizens in the aftermath of the brutal crackdown by government forces in Belarus following failed elections Dec. 19.

Wollack spoke at a Jan. 27 hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs.

"December 19 was a serious setback for the Belarusian democratic forces. But I am confident that, with international solidarity, they will recover and perhaps re-emerge stronger. By continuing to invest in the aspirations of the Belarusian people, we will bring the country closer to its democratic potential. Moreover, we will find ourselves on the right side of history," Wollack said.

Read the testimony»

Pictured above: Wollack (left) testifes to the Senate subcommittee, along with David Kramer of Freedom House.

Published on January 28, 2011

Statement Before the Subcommittee on European Affairs of U.S. Senate, Hearing on Belarus

fstovall — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:27:28 +0000

Author:

Kenneth Wollack

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

01/27/2011

Resource Type:

Testimony

Language:

English

Attachment	Size
Read the testimony	131.12 KB

Michael Padraic Murphy

fstovall — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:35:22 +0000

Michael Padraic Murphy is the director of NDI's Belarus programs. Mr. Murphy has worked in Eurasia on various political, survey research, citizen engagement, issue advocacy and NGO development projects since April of 2007.

Prior to joining NDI, Mr. Murphy worked in Democratic party politics in the U.S., specializing in political campaign management and grassroots citizen organizing at the federal, state and local level. He has experience working for the U.S. Senate, managing multiple federal and state legislative campaigns, organizing large scale grassroots efforts, fundraising, coordinating public relations, and statewide political management experience.

Immediately prior to joining NDI, Mr. Murphy served as the executive director and campaign director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. During his tenure there, he was responsible for overseeing the party's short term programming and long term development. He was also responsible for planning and managing the party's highly successful campaign efforts during the 2006 election period.

In addition to his political experience, Mr. Murphy has traveled to over 20 countries and he has lived in both Central America and Europe. He received his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in history, international relations and political science.

NDI Expert Explores “Semi-Presidentialism” in Central and Eastern Europe

ggreene — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:27:42 +0000

As co-editor of the recently published book Semi-Presidentialism in Central and Eastern Europe, Sophia Moestrup, NDI senior program manager for Central and West Africa, examines the effects of “semi-presidentialism,” on democratization in the region since 1990. “Semi-presidentialism” – a regime situation where there is a directly elected president as well as a prime minister responsible to the legislature – exists in more than half of all Central and Eastern European countries.

With a collection of essays on Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine, Moestrup and co-editor Robert Elgie of Dublin City University explore whether some forms of semi-presidentialism are more conducive to democratization than others. They conclude that this form of governance has not had a positive impact on democratization in Central and Eastern Europe, due largely to friction between presidents and prime ministers as well as the democratic requirements for European Union membership that dictate any and all democratic reforms in the region.

Learn more: Read about Semi-Presidentialism in Central and Eastern Europe at the publisher's web site| Visit site »

NDI - Belarus

Sandra Pepera

Empowering Women for Stronger Political Parties: A Good Practices Guide to Promote Women's Political Participation (Now available in Burmese)

Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes

Increasing Women’s Political Participation Through Effective Training Programs: A Guide to Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Technology, Transparency and Government: NDI Staff on Using Technology for Democracy

Declaration of Global Principles for Nonpartisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations and Code of Conduct for Nonpartisan Citizen Election Observers and Monitors

Importance of Authentic Elections and Unhindered Election Observation Stressed at OSCE Warsaw Meeting

At the opening plenary session of the Warsaw meeting. Photo by OSCE/Piotr Markowski

NDI E-news: Democracy Day, Libya, Pakistan, African Elections | Sept. 2011

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Belarusian Public Opinion: The Political and Economic Situation Prior To and After the 2010 Presidential Elections

NDI E-news: The Middle East, African Elections, Belarus | Jan./Feb. 2011

STAY CONNECTED

CONTRIBUTE

READ MORE

Crackdown in Belarus

NDI President Urges International Support for Belarusian People

Statement Before the Subcommittee on European Affairs of U.S. Senate, Hearing on Belarus

Michael Padraic Murphy

NDI Expert Explores “Semi-Presidentialism” in Central and Eastern Europe