In 2010, USAID shifted its focus from internally strengthening political parties to enabling them to better represent citizens’ interests at the regional level. The program also expands links among political parties and civic groups to increase public demand for better representation of citizens’ interests. This includes education activities for political party activists and locally elected officials to interact with civic groups and citizens. The program also conducts an annual public opinion survey to gauge public attitudes on significant socio-political issues.The program is implemented by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES).