NDI - Libya

Campaign Schools Mobilize Thousands Across Middle East and North Africa

smajestic — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 15:10:59 +0000

NDI launched the Regional Campaign Schools program in the MENA region in the fall of 2012. The Campaign Schools program has exposed hundreds of thousands of people to the tools they will need to run effective campaigns. Since 2012 NDI has held six Campaign Schools and four training-of-trainers workshops for a total of 328 individuals representing 91 political parties from 12 countries.

Following the Arab Spring, new opportunities for political participation opened up in much of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly for women, youth and minorities who had historically been marginalized and excluded from power.

Still, aspiring political actors lacked experience, knowledge and exposure to democratic processes, particularly when it came to running for office. Recognizing this need, and with the support of the State Department's Middle East Partnership Initiative, NDI launched the Regional Campaign Schools program in the MENA region in the fall of 2012.

Through a growing online learning platform, workshops that bring together potential candidates and campaign managers from all over the region and a training-of-trainers (TOT) component that is building a cadre of Arabic-speaking trainers, the Campaign Schools program has exposed hundreds of thousands of people to the tools they will need to run effective campaigns.

Since 2012 NDI has held six Campaign Schools and four TOT workshops for a total of 328 individuals representing 91 political parties from 12 countries -- including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and others.

Click the infographic to view the full size version.

The trainings are designed to deliver a genuinely competitive and intense campaign experience to participants, some of whom have never even seen an election. Based on an integrated curriculum, Campaign Schools include a competitive elections simulation combined with modules on key campaign components.

Due to continued political turbulence in the region, only 130 graduates have experienced elections in their home countries since participating in the Campaign Schools program. Of that subset, however, 16 participants have run as candidates, 11 of whom were women. Four were elected, and a further 22 participants worked on campaign teams. Many reported to NDI that they used the skills learned in the Campaign Schools during their electoral work.

One such participant is Amel. A mother of two and a doctor, Amel joined one of the hundreds of new political parties created after protests in Tunisia helped bring down longtime president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. That same year, the party Amel joined secured four seats in the National Constituent Assembly, the most of any post-revolution party.

As they prepared for elections in 2014, Amel and other members of her party’s elections committee followed the steps they learned through the Campaign Schools. Based on their research of the 2011 election results and canvassing data they had been collecting, the party set a feasible vote goal and campaign strategy. Amel and other Campaign Schools graduates who were members of the party’s elections committee also organized trainings for hundreds of party activists on the campaign message and plan to mobilize resources.

Party officials noticed Amel’s leadership during this strategizing. They asked her to serve as a candidate on one of the party’s lists in Tunis. While Amel did not win in her district, the party doubled their seats in parliament - going from four to eight seats. The party’s increased representation in parliament helped as they negotiated their position in the governing coalition after the elections. After the elections, Amel was hired by the Minister of Women’s Affairs.

An essential goal of the Campaign Schools program is to reach women and youth, like Amel, who are eager to effect change in their countries but feel that they lack some of the tools to do so. Despite the dismal rate of women’s participation in politics in the MENA region, 48 percent of Campaign School participants have been women and a full 66 percent have been under the age of 40.

Following the completion of Campaign Schools training, graduates return to their home countries to not only put their new skills to practice in running campaigns, but also to train fellow activists and party members on the Campaign Schools content. In this sense, many graduates have become individual program multipliers, having trained some 15,400 other people on topics like leadership, voter targeting and contact, message development and communications.

To facilitate the work of Amel and other graduates, NDI has made materials like its Campaign Skills Handbook public on several Arabic language websites, including NDIMENA.org. The Campaign Schools Handbook is a step-by-step manual for candidates, political party activists and campaign staff. The new Campaign Skills Handbook guides users through a comprehensive process for planning and implementing electoral campaigns. Furthermore, NDI field offices in the region regularly bring graduates in to facilitate trainings based on the Campaign Schools' curriculum.

This year, in an effort to create an online learning environment across the region, NDI released eight videos on NDIMENA.org that complement modules from the Campaign Skills Handbook. Within four months, the Campaign Schools’ digital resources received over 600,000 visits and materials were downloaded more than 11,300 times. About 53 percent of those visits were from repeat users , indicating that political activists are frequently coming back to the NDI MENA website to engage further with the content.

Over the next year, NDI plans to hold two additional Campaign Schools and one TOT workshop. The Institute will also release seven more videos to bolster its e-learning component, aiming to reach over a million individuals across the MENA region. Thanks to the spread of technology and to trainers like Amel, the number of Campaign School participants will only continue to grow.

Read more:

Published on December 22, 2015

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.

Taking Democracy for Granted

blesswing — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:35:03 +0000

Source:

Washington Post

Article Link:

Published Date:

01/07/2015

In an op-ed piece for the Washington Post, columnist Anne Applebaum argues that those who live in “functioning democracies” should be aware of how lucky they are and shouldn't be too critical of the difficulties faced by democracies in transition.

Drawing from the work of economist Esther Duflo on poverty issues, Applebaum contextualizes the global struggle for democracy by pointing out, “Americans and Europeans don’t have to write their constitutions from scratch in order to elect a government or change their entire court system if they want justice — but Libyans and Ukrainians do. Ask yourself if you would find that easy.”

Experts to Discuss Critical African Elections at NDI

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 22:09:17 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

09/25/2014

Resource Type:

Press Release

Language:

English

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The implications for democracy of 30 African elections slated through 2016 will be discussed next week by senior Africa experts during a briefing and roundtable discussion at the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 9:30 a.m. at NDI, 455 Massachusetts Ave., NW. It is cosponsored by NDI and the Constituency for Africa (CFA).

Johnnie Carson, former assistant secretary of state for African Affairs and a member of the NDI Board of Directors, will open the forum. Panelists are Christopher Fomunyoh, NDI regional director for Central and West Africa programs; Keith Jennings, NDI regional director for Southern and East Africa programs; Jeffrey England, NDI deputy director for Middle East and North Africa programs; and Richard Klein, senior advisor for NDI Elections. Kenneth Wollack, NDI president, and Melvin Foote, president of the Constituency for Africa, will provide welcoming remarks.

Thirty African countries are slated to hold elections between now and the end of 2016. They are Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.

The conduct of the elections and their outcome could help consolidate nascent democratic institutions and practices across Africa. But if they are viewed as flawed, the elections could result in violence, protracted conflict and democratic backsliding.

The event is part of the Ronald H. Brown African Affairs discussion series sponsored by the CFA.

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Every year, CFA holds the Ronald H. Brown African Affairs series in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Weekend. The program is named for the late Commerce Secretary, Ronald H. Brown, who was a leader in forging ties between the U.S. and Africa.

###

WHAT: NDI/Ron Brown Roundtable Discussion on “Critical Elections in Africa 2015/2016”

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. — 12 p.m.

WHO: Johnnie Carson, former assistant secretary of state for African Affairs;

Kenneth Wollack, NDI president; Mel Foote, president of the Constituency for Africa (CFA);

Christopher Fomunyoh, NDI regional director for Central and West Africa programs;

Keith Jennings, NDI regional director for Southern and East Africa programs;

Jeffrey England, NDI deputy director for Middle East and North Africa programs; and

Richard Klein, senior advisor for NDI Elections

Moderated by
Jennifer Cooke, director, CSIS's Africa program

WHERE: National Democratic Institute, 455 Massachusetts Ave, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001

Attachment	Size
Event invitation.	115.24 KB

ليبيا

vrao — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:26:34 +0000

تطوّر الأحزاب السياسية

ناشطات ينظّمنَ حملات لتوعية الناخبين قبل انتخابات المؤتمر الوطني العام

يقدّم برنامج الأحزاب السياسية في المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني مجموعةً متنوّعة من المساعدات إلى الأحزاب من مختلف الانتماءات السياسية. ورغم أنّ إنشاء الأحزاب لم يكن مشروعاً طيلة عقود في ظلّ حكم القذّافي والملك إدريس، إلا أنّ ليبيا تشهد اليوم نشوء عشرات الأحزاب التي أصبحت تتنافس بشكلٍ علنيّ. في هذا الإطار، يساعد المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني، ضمن ورش عمل متعدّدة الأحزاب وجلسات استشارية فردية، الأحزابَ في صياغة أنظمتها الداخلية بشكلٍ يعزّز من الديمقراطية داخل الحزب، ويدعو إلى التواصل بفعالية مع المواطنين. فضلاً عن ذلك، قاد المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني سلسلة من المدارس الأكاديمية لدعم النساء والشباب في تحمّل مسؤوليات أكبر ضمن الأحزاب السياسية، وسهل سلسلة من الحوارات المحلية بين أعضاء الأحزاب و ممثلين منظمات المجتمع المدني و القيادات المحليين و المواطنين العاديين لمساعدة الأحزاب و المواطنين على فهم دور الأحزاب في الانتقال السياسي في ليبيا.

عندما أوحت بعض الدلالات الأولية الصادرة عن قادة المرحلة الانتقالية باحتمال إقصاء الأحزاب عن انتخابات المؤتمر الوطني العام، شكّل المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني مجموعةً متنوعة من قادة الأحزاب من أجل تحديد المصالح المشتركة ورفع المطالب الموحّدة بالمشاركة في العملية الانتخابية. في نهاية الأمر، تمّ تخصيص 80 من أصل 200 مقعد في المؤتمر الوطني العام للمرشّحين على لوائح الأحزاب السياسية.

استعداداً لانتخابات المؤتمر الوطني العام في تموز/يوليو 2012، قدّم المعهد النصيحة التقنية إلى الأحزاب خلال إنشائها البنى التنظيمية الداخلية، وصياغتها البرامج والرسائل المستندة إلى القضايا، وإعدادها لاستراتيجيات الحملات. في أيار/مايو 2012، نظّم المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني أكاديميات تدريبية استضافت مرشّحات لمقاعد المؤتمر الوطني العام، مع الإشارة إلى أنّ أربع من النساء اللواتي شاركن في هذه التدريبات فزن في الانتخابات في نهاية الأمر. مع اقتراب يوم الانتخابات، نسج المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني شراكةً مع الأمم المتّحدة لجمع 35 من أهمّ الأحزاب السياسية من أجل التفاوض في ما بينها وتوقيع مدونة لقواعد السلوك مؤلّفة من 14 بنداً. فالتزمت الأحزاب بالأنظمة الانتخابية وتنصّلت من اللجوء إلى العنف.

لمساعدة الأحزاب على الاستجابة لأولويات المواطنين، أجرى المعهد أبحاثاً نوعية لدراسة توجّهات الرأي العام بانتظام، وثم أطلع أعضاء الأحزاب على نتائج البحث لمساعدتها على تكوين مواقفها وبرامجها واستراتيجياتها الخاصة بالاتصال.

تعزيز المجتمع المدني

يقدّم المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني المساعدة التقنية إلى منظّمات المجتمع المدني الحديثة التي تشجّع على قدرٍ أكبر من المشاركة العامة في العملية السياسية. يركز المساعدة من المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني على ملاحظة الإنتخابات و مراقبة العملية السياسية و المدافعة. ويعمل المعهد بشكلٍ خاص مع المجموعات المهمّشة تاريخياً، كالنساء والشباب و الأشخاص مع الإحتياجات الخاصة و الأقليات الإثنية، التي تنظّم نفسها من أجل زيادة مستوى تمثيلها في السياسة الليبية. فضلاً عن ذلك، ردّاً على النقص في المعارف العامة حول موضوع الديمقراطية والعملية الانتقالية، نسج المعهد شراكةً مع منظّمات المجتمع المدني عبر البلاد لإطلاق برنامج "ليبيا المواطن"، وهو برنامج تجريبي للتربية المدنية مهمّته نشر الوعي حيال المعايير الديمقراطية والعملية الانتقالية. مع اقتراب موعد انتخابات المؤتمر الوطني العام، تشاركَ المعهد مع منظّمات المجتمع المدني في مختلف أنحاء البلاد لتنظيم نشاطات من أجل توعية الناخبين، بما في ذلك مبادرة هادفة تشجّع النساء على التصويت.

في تموز/يوليو 2012، تولّت منظّمات المجتمع المدني، في مبادرة قائمة على المتطوّعين، خلال الانتخابات الوطنية الأولى التي تشهدها البلاد منذ عقود، مراقبة عملية التصويت في المراكز الاقتراعية ورفع التقارير بهذا الشأن. وقد عرض المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني، ضمن إطار هذه الجهود، توفير التدريب المنتظم والدعم التقني لثلاث شبكات من المنظّمات المدنية الليبية، التي نشرت 3650 ناشطاً مجتمعةً لمراقبة عملية التصويت في الدوائر الانتخابية الثلاث عشرة جميعها. ثم أصدرت كلّ شبكة بياناتٍ قيّمت فيها الانتخابات كحرة وشفافة، مع تقديم بعض التوصيات لتحسينها في المستقبل. في 2013 مع قيادة المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني، تشكّل تحالف من منظمات المجتمع المدني لملاحظة الإنتخابات الوطنية القادمة لهيئة تأسيسية لصياغة مشروع الدستور.

بعد قرار المؤتمر الوطني العام لإجراء انتخابات الهيئة التأسيسة لصياغة مشروع الدستور بصيف 2013، شكّل المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني مجموعة من منظمات المجتمع المدني الليبية لتكوين تحالف ملاحظة الإنتخابات المحلية اسمه الشبكة الليبية لترقية الديمقراطية. قدّم المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني النصيحة التقنية إلى الشبكة خلال استعداداتها لملاحظة انتخابات الهيئة لصياغة مشروع الدستور و في تدريبها و نشرها للمراقبين المتطوعين و تقديرها لقانون الإنتخاب قبل التصويت. ونشر الشبكة الليبية لترقية الديمقراطية 560 ملاحظ خلال انتخابات الهيئة لصياغة مشروع الدستور و في يوم إضافية للتصويت و فيما بعد أصدر بيانا حول إدارة التصويت.

من أجل جذب انتباه صنّاع القرار للقضايا التي تهمّ الشباب، ساعد المعهد أيضاً في إنشاء شبكة من الليبيين الشباب من مختلف أنحاء البلاد للمدافعة عن دور الشباب في وضع دستور للبلاد. وقد أقنعت الشبكة 120 مرشّحاً بتوقيع تعهّد بدعم تمثيل الشباب. فضلاً عن ذلك، يواصل المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني تنظيم اجتماعات منتظمة لشركائه في المجتمع المدني حول التطوّر التنظيمي، والتخطيط الاستراتيجي، و التربية المدنية و المدافعة تحسبا للاستفتاء على مشروع الدستور المتوقع في 2015.

دعم المؤسسات المنتخبة

بعد انتخابات تموز/يوليو 2012، بدأ المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني بتقديم الدعم الأولي والأساسي لقيادة المؤتمر الوطني العام، فضلاً عن أعضائه وموظّفيه، لتسجيل سابقة في مجال تحسين مستوى إدارة الحكم. فأجرى المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني سلسلة من الجلسات لتزويد أعضاء المؤتمر الوطني العام بمعلومات عن تمثيلهم، وعن المراقبة التنفيذية، وواجب صنع القوانين، فضلاً عن تنظيم اللجان وإدارتها. كما نظّم المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني سلسلة من اجتماعات الطاولة المستديرة في المدن والبلدات في مختلف أنحاء المناطق الليبية، جمعت أعضاء المؤتمر الوطني العام بناخبيهم. فكان أن حسّنت هذه النقاشات من التصوّر العام لعمل المؤتمر الوطني العام، وأوجدت منبراً للمواطنين كي ينقلوا آراءهم مباشرةً إلى مسؤوليهم المنتَخبين. وينظّم المعهد، بالشراكة مع معهد صحافة الحرب والسلام، سلسلة من البرامج الإذاعية المحلية، حيث يناقش أعضاء المؤتمر الوطني العام قضايا وطنية ومحلية، ويجيبون عن أسئلة المواطنين. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يقود المعهد أيضاً مبادرةً لمساعدة النساء أعضاء المؤتمر الوطني العام في الإيفاء بمسؤولياتهنّ الانتخابية، وفي تعزيز الكتلة النسائية ضمن المؤتمر الوطني العام و في التعاون مع منظمات المجتمع المدني في ترقية مشاركة النساء بالسياسة الليبية.

معلومات الاتصال

للمزيد من المعلومات عن هذه البرامج، إملأ استمارة الاتصال أو إتّصل بالعناوين التالية:

طرابلس
ماري اوداناهيو، المدير الأعلى المقيم لمكتب ليبيا
modonoghue@ndi.org

واشنطن العاصمة

توشيرو بام، مساعد البرامج

(202) 728-6332
tbaum@ndi.org

في أوائل العام 2011، نزل المواطنون الليبيون إلى الشارع مطالبين بوضع حدٍّ لنظام معمّر القذّافي الاستبدادي، المستمرّ منذ 42 عاماً، وبالانتقال نحو الديمقراطية. بعد هزيمة نظام القذافي، وضع المجلس الوطني الانتقالي خارطة طرق تفصّل عملية الانتقال السياسي. في 7 تموز/يوليو 2012، أدلى المواطنون الليبيون بأصواتهم في انتخابات تاريخية لمقاعد المؤتمر الوطني العام، وهي هيئة تشريعية مؤقتة أوكلت إليها مهمة الإشراف على أعمال حكومة جديدة و في 20 فبراير/ شباط 2014، انتخب الليبيون مقاعد الهيئة التأسيسية لصياغة مشروع الدستور. في 25 يونيو/ حزيران 2014 أدلى الليبيون بأصواتهم ثانية للمجلس النواب و هو المجلس التشريعي الثاني بالبلاد. وقبل نهاية سنة 2014، أعلن الهيئة التأسيسية لصياغة مشروع الدستور استفتاء على مشروع الدستور سيعقده في 2015. تأسّست أحزاب ومنظّمات غير حكومية جديدة ومتنوّعة، نجح العديد منها في إثبات رأيه وحشد دعم القواعد الشعبية لقضاياه. ورغم النضال المستمرّ، فإنّ عملية الانتقال السياسي قد ساهمت، بشكل جذري، في إعادة نحت العلاقات بين المواطنين وقادتهم.

تساهم برامج المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني في ليبيا في تعزيز قدرات الأحزاب السياسية الناشئة في الدولة، والممثّلين المنتخَبين، ومنظّمات المجتمع المدني، على المشاركة في العملية الانتقالية.

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

Libyans: Optimistic about the Future, Concerned about Safety

dleonard — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 21:43:45 +0000

Voter and polling station workers on election day for Libya’s Constitution-Drafting Assembly (The Libyan Network to Promote Democracy)

As Libya prepares to draft its new constitution, a new public opinion survey shows that a majority of Libyans balance their optimism about the country’s future with immediate concerns over their personal safety.

A majority of Libyans believe that the country’s situation in three years will be better than before the 2011 uprising and conflict, but in recent months respondents have grown more critical of governing institutions and political leaders. The survey also explores citizens’ opinions on the constitution-drafting process, the General National Congress (GNC) and regional autonomy.

Most Libyans view the GNC, leaders and political parties with increasing negativity, and they are dissatisfied with the quality of public services. Citizens are also placing a greater emphasis on the need to disarm militias as a step toward improving the security situation. Despite these frustrations, Libyans remain optimistic about the country’s future and continue to believe that democracy constitutes the best form of government. The findings also indicate widespread disapproval of regional and tribal leaders’ efforts to pursue regional autonomy.

NDI, in partnership with Copenhagen-based JMW Consulting and the Libyan firm Diwan for Market Research, surveyed 1,200 randomly selected Libyans, ages 18 and older, from Nov. 10 to Dec. 8, 2013. The nationwide survey is the third in a series launched in May 2013 to evaluate changes in Libyan public opinion as the political transition proceeds. The surveys have provided leaders in political parties, civil society organizations and the government with timely, relevant information on public opinion that can inform policies and make them more responsive to citizens’ interests and needs.

Some key findings from the poll:

Libyans continue to be deeply concerned about the country’s security and stability. The vast majority continue to view disarmament of militias, political stability and personal security as the most important issues.
A majority of Libyans do not support claims to regional autonomy. They largely reject the declarations of regional autonomy made by the Cyrenaican Political Bureau in Libya’s East and by tribal leaders in the South. Even within these two regions, majorities disapprove of the declarations. A majority of Libyans also view the seizure of oil production facilities by armed groups as unjustified.
One-third of Libyans feel unsafe when traveling to work, school, the mosque and the market. Similarly, only 49 percent feel “very safe” in their own homes and 61 percent feel unsafe when traveling by bus or taxi.
Popular support for democracy remains high, with 80 percent saying they believe it is the best form of government. Ninety-one percent of Libyans characterize democracy as involving protection of rights and freedoms or elections. These attitudes are largely unchanged from findings in earlier surveys.
Political institutions such as GNC, political parties and political leaders evoke increasingly negative views. Forty-seven percent of Libyans now believe that parties are not necessary for democracy, compared to only 14 percent who held this opinion in May 2013. Political leaders across the board have seen declining favorability ratings, and satisfaction with the GNC has fallen. Sixty-eight percent now describe the GNC’s performance as poor; a 32-point decrease in the congress’ perceived performance rating since May 2013.
Among international organizations, the United Nations (UN) is viewed the most favorably by Libyans. Sixty-four percent have a positive view of the UN and 83 percent believe their country should cooperate with the UN to ensure political stability and security.

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Published March 14, 2014

Middle East Parliamentarians Discuss Legislating, Budgeting and Women’s Political Participation in Washington, Richmond Visits

dleonard — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 15:41:48 +0000

Seventeen members of parliament from Jordan, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia visited the U.S. last week as part of a parliamentary exchange program to study legislative operations, including committee work, the appropriations process and congressional oversight.

The nine-day exchange, hosted by NDI in cooperation with the Institute for Representative Government, brought the MPs to Washington, DC, and Richmond, VA.

In Washington, the MPs met with a bipartisan group of members of Congress, including the current chairs of the House Democracy Partnership, a bipartisan commission that works with partner countries around the world to strengthen legislative institutions; senior congressional staff; representatives from congressional support agencies; members of the National Security Council; and State Department representatives to discuss issues in the region and the bilateral relationships of the U.S. and their respective countries.

A majority of the delegation members were women, and women’s political participation was an important focus throughout the program.

Four of the visitors took part in a public event at NDI, “Women in the New Arab Politics,” moderated by Tamara Cofman Wittes,director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. The panelists discussed the importance of gender equality measures in constitutions, laws and regulations to support women’s participation in the electoral process, including different types of quotas.

Hon. Fatiha Mouknii of Morocco speaks with moderator Tamara Cofman Wittes during the “Women in the New Arab Politics” panel.

The group also met with women legislators in Washington and Richmond, and exchanged perspectives with Melanne Verveer, former ambassador at large for global women’s issues who is executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace, and Security.

In Richmond, the delegation met with Governor Terry McAuliffe; Maurice Jones, Virginia secretary of commerce and trade; and a bipartisan group of leaders from both chambers of the state legislature.

As the Virginia legislature worked to close out its session, the MPs observed the proceedings from the visitors’ gallery and were recognized by the Virginia Senate. The delegation was then treated to an impromptu briefing in Arabic on the Senate’s page program by a page of Lebanese descent. Several delegation members commented on the potential benefits in their own countries of creating similar opportunities for young people to engage in political life.

The group also made a brief visit to Colonial Williamsburg for a series of discussions on civic education. Colin Campbell, chief executive officer of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, discussed the importance of preserving historic sites as a way of fostering a shared national identity to deepen citizen engagement.

The program was funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with additional support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

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Published March 7, 2014

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

Confidence, Capacity, Connections: A Young Woman's Guide to Leadership (Now available in Chinese)

fstovall — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 15:46:28 +0000

Author:

Gabriella Borovsky, Sarah Cherrabi El Alaoui, Megan Doherty

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

09/01/2010

Resource Type:

Manual|Handbook

Language:

English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish

Media Type:

pdf

2010

This guidebook aims to help young women with all aspects of leadership, from balancing personal and professional responsibilities to planning and implementing advocacy projects. The guidebook is designed as a workbook rather than a textbook, with charts and exercises for readers to chart their progress. It also includes a section on how to use new media tools and social networking sites effectively.

الثقة بالنفس وتعزيز القدرات وربط العلاقات، دليل المرأة الشابة إلى القيادة

الناشر:إعداد غابرييلا بوروفسكي وسارة شرابي العلوي وميغان دوهرتي - منشورات المعهد الديمقراطي الوطني.

تفصيل:يسعى هذا الدليل إلى مساعدة المرأة الشابة في مشوارها القيادي، بكلّ مراحله، بدءاً بتحقيق التوازن بين المسؤوليات الشخصية والمهنية، مروراً بمرحلة إعداد الخطط، وصولاً إلى تنفيذ مشاريع المدافعة. هو أشبه ما يكون بكتاب تطبيقي لا نظري، بما يتضمّنه من رسوم بيانية وتمارين يستند إليها القارئ لتقييم التقدم الذي أحرزه ضمن جدول أو قائمة. ويتناول الدليل أيضاً، في أحد أجزائه، سبل استخدام الأدوات الإعلامية الحديثة ومواقع التشبيك الاجتماعي بكلّ فعالية.

English

Arabic

French

Spanish

Chinese (Mandarin)

Attachment	Size
Confidence, Capacity, Connections (English)	1.79 MB
Confidence, Capacity, Connections (Arabic)	1.75 MB
Confidence, Capacity, Connections (French)	1012.92 KB
Confidence, Capacity, Connections (Spanish)	857.02 KB
Confidence, Capacity, Connections (Traditional Chinese)	11.25 MB
Confidence, Capacity, Connections (Simplified Chinese)	10.36 MB
Confidence, Capacity, Connections ePub/iTunes (Arabic)	2.3 MB

'Now We Have Hope': Libyans Confident Despite the Rise of Armed Militias | Dec. 15, 2013

fstovall — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 22:26:31 +0000

NBC News | Link to story »

More than two years since former dictator Moammar Gadhafi was ousted, Libya is still trying to take control of one of his unfortunate legacies – the proliferation of armed militias set up to fight him.

The former revolutionaries who helped knock Gadhafi from power are now plunging Libya into financial crisis by using their muscle to blockade oilfields and choke off crude shipments, sinking revenues to 20 percent, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan told reporters last week.

Link to story »

Libyans: Optimistic, Want Security and Democracy, Unhappy with GNC and Reject Militias – Survey | Nov. 28, 2013

fstovall — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 21:17:57 +0000

Libya Herald | Link to story »

A public opinion survey financed by the Danish Foreign Ministry and conducted by the American National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Danish JMW Consulting makes some revealing insights into the views of Libyans on security, democracy, militias, Islam, political parties, women etc.

The survey entitled “Seeking Security”, released this week, was conducted 10-30 September 2013 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 randomly chosen Libyans from Libya’s 13 Municipalities based on the 2006 census. This is the second opinion survey conducted, the first being in May.

Link to story »

Libyans Remain Optimistic About the Country's Future, Despite Security Concerns

dleonard — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 00:17:52 +0000

Despite the slow pace of Libya’s political transition and continuing security concerns, a new public opinion survey reveals that Libyans remain optimistic about the country’s future even though they believe the government’s performance is poor and they voice growing dissatisfaction with Libya’s elected legislature, the General National Congress (GNC.) The survey also details citizen’s opinions on the development of Libya’s new constitution, the status of women, and views on Libyan political parties and leaders. NDI, in partnership with Copenhagen-based JMW Consulting and the Libyan firm Diwan Market Research, surveyed 1,200 randomly selected Libyan nationals from across the country, ages 18 and older, from September 10 to 30.

Photo by Ancuta Abrudan, NDI-Libya political party program manager

NDI, in partnership with Copenhagen-based JMW Consulting and the Libyan firm Diwan Market Research, surveyed 1,200 randomly selected Libyan nationals from across the country, ages 18 and older, from September 10 to 30.

The nationwide survey is the second in a three-part series launched in May to evaluate changes in Libyan public opinion as the political transition proceeds. Findings from the current survey reveal that most Libyans view elected institutions, leaders, and political parties with increasing negativity. At the same time, a majority of Libyans still believe democracy is the best form of government, and they associate democracy with elections and the protection of rights and freedoms. The findings provide Libyan leaders in political parties, civil society organizations and the government with timely, relevant information on public opinion that can inform policies and make them more responsive to citizens’ interests and needs.

Some key findings from the poll:

Eighty-five percent of Libyans say that democracy is the best form of government and 89 percent identify elections, protection of rights and freedoms, and the right to criticize those in power as the most important characteristics of democracy.
Sixty percent of Libyans now describe the GNC’s performance as poor, a 23-point drop in favorability from survey findings in May.
Seventy-one percent of Libyans say that women should play a greater role in politics and 78 percent support a quota to ensure women’s representation in a future national legislature.
Only 32 percent of Libyans think that the country is better off now than before the 2011 revolution, however 65 percent believe that in three years, Libya will be better off.
Ninety-two percent of Libyans identify the right to education, right to medical care, right to work, and protection from torture or inhumane treatment as very important principles to enshrine in the new constitution.
Libyans overwhelmingly support efforts to disarm militias that do not presently abide by government authority, regardless of whether these militias were formed during or after the 2011 revolution.
Only 25 percent of Libyans feel Shari’a (Islamic law) should be the sole source of legislation in the new constitution, down from 37 percent who held the same view in May.
This survey, the second of three NDI isl undertaking as part of its ongoing public opinion program in Libya, was funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Read more:

Published Nov. 26, 2013

Seeking Security: Public Opinion Survey in Libya

dleonard — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 00:00:54 +0000

Author:

National Democratic Institute

Publisher:

National Democratic Institute

Published Date:

11/26/2013

Resource Type:

Public Opinion Survey

Language:

English, Arabic

Some key findings from the poll:

Eighty-five percent of Libyans say that democracy is the best form of government and 89 percent identify elections, protection of rights and freedoms, and the right to criticize those in power as the most important characteristics of democracy.
Sixty percent of Libyans now describe the GNC’s performance as poor, a 23-point drop in favorability from survey findings in May.
Seventy-one percent of Libyans say that women should play a greater role in politics and 78 percent support a quota to ensure women’s representation in a future national legislature.
Only 32 percent of Libyans think that the country is better off now than before the 2011 revolution, however 65 percent believe that in three years, Libya will be better off.
Ninety-two percent of Libyans identify the right to education, right to medical care, right to work, and protection from torture or inhumane treatment as very important principles to enshrine in the new constitution.
Libyans overwhelmingly support efforts to disarm militias that do not presently abide by government authority, regardless of whether these militias were formed during or after the 2011 revolution.
Only 25 percent of Libyans feel Shari’a (Islamic law) should be the sole source of legislation in the new constitution, down from 37 percent who held the same view in May.
This survey, the second of three NDI isl undertaking as part of its ongoing public opinion program in Libya, was funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

English

Arabic

Attachment	Size
Download the report (English)	646.83 KB
Download the report (بالعربية)	991.93 KB

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

NDI - Libya

Campaign Schools Mobilize Thousands Across Middle East and North Africa

Sandra Pepera

Taking Democracy for Granted

Experts to Discuss Critical African Elections at NDI

ليبيا

تطوّر الأحزاب السياسية

تعزيز المجتمع المدني

دعم المؤسسات المنتخبة

مواضيع ذات صلة

معلومات الاتصال

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

Libyans: Optimistic about the Future, Concerned about Safety

Middle East Parliamentarians Discuss Legislating, Budgeting and Women’s Political Participation in Washington, Richmond Visits

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

Confidence, Capacity, Connections: A Young Woman's Guide to Leadership (Now available in Chinese)

الثقة بالنفس وتعزيز القدرات وربط العلاقات، دليل المرأة الشابة إلى القيادة

'Now We Have Hope': Libyans Confident Despite the Rise of Armed Militias | Dec. 15, 2013

Libyans: Optimistic, Want Security and Democracy, Unhappy with GNC and Reject Militias – Survey | Nov. 28, 2013

Libyans Remain Optimistic About the Country's Future, Despite Security Concerns

Seeking Security: Public Opinion Survey in Libya

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