1. Is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally— either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and equal practice of political self-determination.form of governmentlawspolitical self-determination DEMOCRACY

3. NDI  NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE.  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.

4. CHARACTERISTICS  Citizen Participation 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 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.

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

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

7.  Women’s Political Participation 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.

8. THE ECONOMIST´S DEMOCRACY INDEX AS PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER 2011 WITH GREENER COLOURS REPRESENTING MORE DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES AND CLEARLY AUTHORITARIAN COUNTRIES IN DARK RED.