The One World Foundation for Development and Civil Society Care trained local journalists in Fayoum, Ismailia and Beni Suef, Egypt.

Middle East and North Africa

See the 2010 Grantee Spotlight on Espace Libre de Citoyenneté, de Formation, et de Développement à Mohammedia (ELCIFODEM), Morocco.

Government repression increased and reform slowed, stalled or regressed in MENA countries in 2010 — the unrest that started in North Africa and spread most dramatically to Egypt after the new year was largely unforeseen. MENA countries in 2010 scored low on democracy indices, including human rights, freedom of speech, transparency and accountability. Lifetime rulers with full control of legislative, judicial, and executive powers reneged on past public pledges of political reform.

But NED reached out and expanded its support to a new generation of democrats: youth groups across the region, including in Iran and Syria. And despite increased threats from radical groups and repressive governments, democracy advocates continued to work for reform and made slow progress. NED supported nascent political processes through recurring parliamentary and local elections, expanded its regional program and helped the dissemination of human rights monitoring and advocacy skills.

Iraq struggled to form a government, but its weak state institutions offered civil society unique advocacy opportunities to influence policies and institutions. Reformed electoral laws helped voters make better choices and moved them away from destructive sectarian loyalties. NED supported advocacy groups, strengthened citizen input in policy making, and promoted public discussion on pending legislation. The Iraq Civic Action Network supported its members to conduct projects on local government accountability, transparency and dialogue initiatives, especially on constituent need for improved public services.

Afghanistan’s parliamentary elections were marked with corruption and lower voter turnout. Fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in the country’s constitution were compromised as the government sought political settlement with insurgents. Crony capitalism and a lack of financial regulation almost plunged the economy into crisis. Afghans had little incentive to reach out to and engage their government. In response to all these challenges, NED expanded its support for civic groups working to build the citizen-state relationship. NED grantees also reached out to tribal elders and legal scholars to discuss women’s rights and their compatibility with Islam.

Egypt ignored opposition calls for constitutional and electoral reforms — to the government’s peril, as 2011 showed. Prior to its parliamentary elections, the state brought harsh measures against civil society and stifled independent media. The government rejected international monitors, severely curtailed the work of domestic monitors, and further restricted media and communications. Amidst allegations of fraud and vote-rigging, the ruling party swept the elections; the two largest groups that had held 20% of parliament and participated in the first round of elections boycotted the second round when they did not secure a single seat.

Still, civil society found opportunities to pressure the government and expose violations. NED expanded its support to a network of civic groups and citizen journalists demanding real reform and political participation. NED supported a coalition of 27 provincial NGOs that launched a series of candidate debates and street theater performances to educate voters. In addition, on election day the coalition led citizen monitoring efforts and worked with another NED grantee, the Egyptian Democratic Academy, to broadcast and report election irregularities live on online Radio El Mahrosa.  :: MORE