Final report : Niger -- USAID grant no. 624-0282-G-00-5049-00 : September 1995 to November 1996

NDI conducted introductory meetings with a wide range of local civic organizations and the entire leadership of the National Assembly, and began a baseline assessment of the Nigerien legislature during its 2-month budget session. After commencing the baseline assessment, NDI organized a parliamentary orientation session for the newly elected deputies comprising over half of the total membership of Niger"s fledgling legislature. In the months following the orientation, NDI continued to consult with parliamentary staff and deputies from all political persuasions. NDI conducted a series of parliamentary outreach and monitoring activities, including citizen forums, to strengthen relationships between major Nigerien civic organizations and their parliamentarians. Unfortunately, in December 1995, as advance preparations were being made to hold citizen forums throughout the country, a new political crisis emerged, leading to the coup d"etat of January 27, 1996. Many Nigeriens, while remaining steadfast in their hopes to build a democratic society, expressed the belief that there were few alternatives to overthrowing the government in order to overhaul a corrupted political system. Despite the fact that Niger"s new transition had been started by an illegal and undemocratic act, NDI felt it necessary to remain in the country and to continue supporting those democratic elements that were committed to promoting the transparency of the election process. In response to many requests from Nigeriens, NDI refocused its efforts in order to provide assistance to Nigerien civic organizations that were interested in monitoring the pre-election process, election day proceedings, and the immediate post-election atmosphere. NDI concentrated on supporting Nigerien civil society because it had already established professional relationships with many of Niger"s most viable civic groups prior to the coup. This was also consistent with NDI"s belief that it is the responsibility of Nigeriens to judge the validity of their own election process. By assisting civic groups in Niger, NDI also tried to increase citizen involvement in the electoral process. (Author abstract, modified)