The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization that responds to the worldwide quest for popular civic participation, open and competitive political systems, and representative and accountable government.

Since its founding in 1983, NDI and its local partners have worked to establish and strengthen democratic institutions and practices by building political and civic organizations, safeguarding elections, and promoting citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. With staff members and volunteer political practitioners from more than 100 nations, NDI brings together individuals and groups to share ideas, knowledge, experiences and expertise. Partners receive broad exposure to best practices in international democratic development that can be adapted to the needs of their own countries. NDI’s multinational approach reinforces the message that while there is no single democratic model, certain core principles are shared by all democracies.

The Institute’s work upholds the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also promotes the development of institutionalized channels of communications among citizens, political institutions and elected officials, and strengthens their ability to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

NDI and its local partners work to promote openness and accountability in government by building political and civic organizations, safeguarding elections, and promoting citizen participation. The Institute brings together individuals and groups to share ideas, knowledge, experiences and expertise that can be adapted to the needs of individual countries.

Citizen Participation. Helping citizens engage in their country’s political process is one goal of NDI programs. The Institute provides technical assistance in organizing techniques, civic and voter education, budget oversight and other skills that help make governments accountable. 

Debates. NDI and the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) have partnered to help debate sponsoring organizations overcome the challenges they face when planning candidate debates around the world.

Democracy and Technology. Democracy practitioners and activists are using new technologies to improve access to information and enhance their effectiveness. 

Democratic Governance. The Institute’ governance programs seek to promote effective public-sector institutions and processes that operate in a manner consistent with democratic values of transparency, representation, pluralism and accountability.

Elections. NDI programs promote the integrity of electoral and political processes based on international human-rights law and the practicalities of citizen mobilization.

Political Parties. Political parties form the cornerstone of a democratic society and serve a function unlike any other institution in a democracy.

Women’s Political Participation. The Institute’s programs help to create an environment where women can advocate on matters of policy, run for political office, be elected, govern effectively, and participate meaningfully in civic life.