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.

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.

Thirty-six political parties and two independent candidates in Niger have signed a code of conduct that encourages parties and their supporters to campaign honestly and respect the outcome of Jan.31 presidential and legislative elections. The polls will mark a return to democratic rule following last February's coup d’état that removed autocratic President Mamadou Tandja from office. NDI worked initially with 16 parties to draft the code, based on examples used successfully in other countries.

Abdourahamane Ousmane, president of the National Communications Observatory, officiated at the Jan.25 signing ceremony. The observatory was established by Niger's military government to monitor balanced media coverage of the parties' electoral campaigns and to ensure free speech during the country's transition to democratic rule.