Political parties and governments have asked NDI to study electoral codes and to recommend improvements. The Institute also provides technical assistance for political parties and civic groups to conduct voter education campaigns and to organize election monitoring programs such as pollwatching and independent vote counts. NDI is a world leader in election monitoring, having organized international delegations to observe elections in dozens of countries, helping to ensure that poll results reflect the will of the people. Promote Openness and Accountability NDI has assisted leaders of government, parliament and political parties seeking advice on matters ranging from legislative procedures to the balance of civil-military relations in a democracy. NDI programs respond to legislators who request information on how to make their parliamentary operations more professional, open and responsive, to the organizations that need help promoting accountability by elected officials, city councils that seek advice on ways to solicit public input into decision making, political parties that require guidance on mechanisms to ensure internal democratic practices and enhance communication with potential supporters, and election commissions that want to establish a more transparent electoral process.
International cooperation is key to promoting democracy effectively and efficiently.
It conveys a deeper message to new and emerging democracies that while autocracies are inherently isolated and fearful of the outside world, democracies can count on international allies and an active support system. Headquartered in Washington D.C., with offices in every region of the world, NDI complements the skills of its staff by enlisting volunteer experts from around the world, many of whom are veterans of democratic struggles in their own countries and share valuable perspectives on democratic development. NDI's international network of more than 1,000 trainers has included presidents, prime ministers, cabinet ministers, and emerging leaders from countries as diverse as Canada, Chile, Hungary, India, Israel, Ireland, the Philippines, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Anywhere in the world, each time a democratic institution takes root, each time a new democratic government addresses old problems with peaceful methods, the rationale for democratic solutions is strengthened, and democratic forces are encouraged and sustained. This in turn makes it harder for autocrats to operate in isolation and gain legitimacy for themselves.