National Democratic Institute (Portugal)

NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all. NDI's work upholds the idea that democracy is a human right – a principle enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But it's a human right that many around the world still struggle to attain.

NDI believes there is no single democratic model, but that certain core values are essential to all democracies, including:

Accountability: Leaders are responsive to the public interest and people are able to hold their leaders responsible for their conduct through institutionalized checks and balances including regular, inclusive elections that are competitive and credibly reflect popular will;
Transparency: Political activity is open and subject to public oversight;
Equity: All people are treated justly and in accordance with their diverse conditions;
Inclusion: Diverse voices and views are sought, respected and incorporated;
Pluralism: Free, open, and peaceful competition of ideas is universally embraced;
Civic Participation: People are able to exercise their political and civic rights and responsibilities freely, and do so actively and respectfully;
Rule of Law: Laws promulgated by duly elected representatives are consistent with universal human rights principles, adjudicated independently and enforced equally.