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 has been engaged in Colombia since 1999, contributing to political reform processes through the participation of young Colombian political leaders from traditional and emerging parties in NDI's regional Political Leadership Program. Following the adoption of extensive reforms in 2003 that made fundamental changes in the political party system, NDI established a field presence in 2005 to provide technical assistance to parties who have engaged in internal processes to improve party structures, statutes and practices. 

Since then, NDI has worked in partnership with a broad range of Colombian political parties across the political spectrum to support implementation of party workplans to promote organizational strengthening and internal democracy practices, and enhance the political participation and skills of representatives of underrepresented sectors including women, Afro-Colombians, indigenous peoples and youth, working at national and departmental levels. NDI has worked to increase citizen participation in the department of Chocó, which has the highest poverty and illiteracy rates in the country.  Chocó also has the country’s highest percentage of Afro-Colombians, who are a traditionally underrepresented group in Colombia’s political system. In 2009, NDI expanded this regional focus to include, in addition to Chocó, the post-conflict region of Montes de María in the departments of Bolívar and Sucre. During national and local elections since 2005, NDI has also worked to support transparent election processes as well as promote a better informed electorate by supporting candidate debates and forums between candidates and civil society organizations.

Political Context

Political Party Reform

Underrepresented Sectors

Support for Electoral Transparency

Political Leadership Program

Contact Information

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