Tamara Cofman Wittes
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tcwittes.bsky.social
Tamara Cofman Wittes
@tcwittes.bsky.social
President of National Democratic Institute. “I believe in democracy, because it’s the only system that believes in us.”-Madeleine Albright
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Honored to testify today before the House on the ways democracy makes nations more safe, stable, peaceful and prosperous—and thus makes Americans safer, stronger and more prosperous too. ndi.org/publications...
Testimony of NDI President Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes before the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs.
Chairman Diaz-Balart, Congresswoman Frankel, and Subcommittee Members, thank you for the opportunity to testify today about the critical role that America’s democracy assistance plays in advancing U.S...
ndi.org
Reposted by Tamara Cofman Wittes
BIG NEWS! The Trump admin has been ordered to delay its termination of TPS for Syria while the case continues to be heard in crt. Without today's decision, thousands would have lost their legal status and work authorization this Friday, and may have been forced to return to Syria.
November 19, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Reposted by Tamara Cofman Wittes
WeRateDogs turns 10 years old today! A very silly idea to numerically objectify dogs has become one of the kindest and most powerful online communities ever. Thank you for joining us over the last decade. I never knew what this could be until you all showed me. Here's to many more good dogs ❤️
November 15, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Reposted by Tamara Cofman Wittes
Looking to connect with cool, like-minded folks who work on, care about, or are interested in the MENA region?

Don't miss @timep.bsky.social's MENA Social Night this Wednesday, a quarterly space to build community and come together!

Let us know you're coming: www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...
November 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This is the theme of my Nov 1st TEDxMidAtlantic talk, “Democracy Fast and Slow.” Hope to have video out soon!
The real issue isn’t immigration, it’s the feedback loop: platforms amplify anxiety → voters feel it → politicians chase it → hollow policy follows. Until we break that cycle, we won’t get functional decisions or functional democracy.
November 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Reposted by Tamara Cofman Wittes
On Tues, Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah attempted to fly to London to attend two conferences. He was stopped by authorities and told he could not travel.

It's been almost 2 months since Alaa was pardoned. It's time for him to be allowed to travel too www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
British-Egyptian activist stopped from flying to UK, says family
Egyptian authorities prevented Alaa Abd el-Fattah from attending human rights awards in London
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:56 PM
No survivor owes the world an account of their torture and survival . Elizabeth shares her hostage story because she knows too many Iraqis cannot. Thank G-d she is now safe at home. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/w...
A Woman Tells of Torture and 2½ Years of Captivity by an Iraqi Militia
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🆕#NDI announces the 2025 Madeleine K. Albright Democracy Awardees!
⭐️ Nino Dolidze of Georgia
⭐️ Chisankho Watch of Malawi
Honoring their courage & leadership in defending election integrity & democratic participation.
bit.ly/4qAqsAT
October 31, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Reposted by Tamara Cofman Wittes
It was great to share thoughts with Dr. Tamara Wittes @tcwittes.bsky.social, president of the National Democratic Institute, on the most pressing challenges in democracy support worldwide and discuss the importance of free and fair elections.
Looking forward to future exchanges.
October 24, 2025 at 12:09 PM
The Nobel prizes for Peace and Literature this year both shone a light on the struggle for freedom.These laureates are a powerful reminder that the human demand for voice and choice is irrepressible.
#FreedomWorks
October 10, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Want to spend some time getting inspired about the future of democracy? Join me, @mcfaulmike.bsky.social and more at #TEDxMidAtlantic! My talk will be on “Democracy, Fast and Slow” — how we can make democracy work in our supercharged attention economy. Details: mailchi.mp/251bd014cc05...
🚀 Your Personal Invitation to TEDxMidAtlantic on November 1 in D.C.
mailchi.mp
October 9, 2025 at 4:19 PM
October 8, 2025 at 9:52 PM
After 2 1/2 years of horrific captivity, Elizabeth is finally safe.
 ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוהינו מלך העולם מתיר אסורים!
September 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Shocked at the murder of Andriy Parubiy today.
Andriy was a Ukrainian patriot, a statesman, and a valued partner to NDI. May those responsible for this horrific act face swift justice. 

#NDI will uphold Andriy’s cause, democracy & freedom in #Ukraine.
Wishing comfort to his family & friends.
August 30, 2025 at 11:20 PM
The National Democratic Institute is honored to receive a major gift from the MacArthur Foundation!

This vote of confidence strengthens #NDI work to protect elections, promote accountability & expand democratic participation worldwide.
Read the full statement ⬇️
bit.ly/45ryvYc
National Democratic Institute Announces Major Gift from MacArthur Foundation
Washington, D.C. – The National Democratic Institute (NDI) announced today a major gift of $750,000 in general operating support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
bit.ly
August 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
NDI identified five key challenges to ensuring election integrity: effective autonomy of electoral bodies, prevention of undue interference, reduction of polarization and premature fraud claims, prevention of electoral violence and easing tensions that affect civic space. www.upi.com/Top_News/Wor...
Attacks on Electoral Council disrupt elections in Honduras - UPI.com
Honduras' National Electoral Council, faces political, judicial and technical pressures that threaten to derail general elections in less than three months.
www.upi.com
August 9, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Elections are the heart of democracy. NDI’s Pre-Election Assessment Mission identified five key challenges and urged action to strengthen the integrity of Honduras’ 2025 elections 🇭🇳

ndi.org/publications...
Misión de Estudio y Acompañamiento Electoral del NDI Identifica Cinco Desafíos y Hace un Llamado para Fortalecer la Integridad de las Elecciones 2025 en Honduras
Tegucigalpa, 8 de agosto de 2025
ndi.org
August 8, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by Tamara Cofman Wittes
Chisankho Watch+NDI!
The forthcoming elections are not just about choosing leaders; they are a test of Malawi’s democratic commitment and a chance to advance the values that citizens care about most: peace, security, stability, and prosperity for all. ndi.org/our-stories/...
Election Observation as a Democratic Safeguard in Malawi
Malawi’s upcoming elections present a pivotal opportunity to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions and reinforce the country’s commitment to fairness and accountability.
ndi.org
August 1, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Chisankho Watch+NDI!
The forthcoming elections are not just about choosing leaders; they are a test of Malawi’s democratic commitment and a chance to advance the values that citizens care about most: peace, security, stability, and prosperity for all. ndi.org/our-stories/...
Election Observation as a Democratic Safeguard in Malawi
Malawi’s upcoming elections present a pivotal opportunity to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions and reinforce the country’s commitment to fairness and accountability.
ndi.org
August 1, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Thank you, @crow.house.gov, for joining NDI last night to celebrate our shared commitment to democracy with diplomatic partners from both sides of the Atlantic. We are grateful for your continued support!
July 17, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Reposted by Tamara Cofman Wittes
May our celebration of American independence reinforce our commitment to continue our march toward a more perfect union, to stand by those still seeking their freedom around the world, and to support the activists and reformers working to strengthen their own democracies.
Let freedom ring.
July 3, 2025 at 3:02 PM
May our celebration of American independence reinforce our commitment to continue our march toward a more perfect union, to stand by those still seeking their freedom around the world, and to support the activists and reformers working to strengthen their own democracies.
Let freedom ring.
July 3, 2025 at 3:02 PM
June 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
False Solomons Seal. Grand Teton NP.
June 27, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Grateful to @congresswomanscm.bsky.social for our time discussing how @NDI democracy support helps prevent terrorism and promote peace and stability in Syria, Yemen, and across the Middle East. Smart investment!
June 26, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Triteleia in the Tetons.
June 24, 2025 at 11:40 AM