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President Mesa has found it difficult to advance his agenda as a political independent without the support of traditional political parties , a fact that has aggravated executive-legislative relations and slowed the passage of legislation . NDI has conducted workshops , sponsored town hall meetings with representatives from national NGOs , local civil society , elected officials and representatives of the central administration , engaged and fostered youth participation , and conducted a variety of activities to promote women 's political participation during Mauritania 's transition period . The project encourages parties to revive and extend their membership structures , build stronger relationships with their constituents , and instill democratic values within the party . Seminars have contributed international experience to debates on draft laws and fostered consensus among parliamentarians . NDI also trained women in media monitoring and commissioned a survey regarding public perceptions of women in politics .