Despite recent reforms, it remains too difficult for many long-time residents to become citizens.

Despite major political reforms, however, the Maldivian economy continued to suffer.

Despite major reforms in 1970 and 1985, the system does not work the way that the Soviet authorities want.

But despite reforms in 1988, the system suffers from a chronic lack of accountability.

Despite economic reforms, Egypt's continuing poverty, too, has taken a toll.

Despite reforms, capital construction continued at a heated pace in 1986.

Despite democratic reforms, caste and class differences are still fundamental in many cultures.

Despite reforms, weak control over privatization led many successful state enterprises to bankruptcy.

Despite attempted reforms, the schools remained open during the reporting period.

In other words, despite reforms or attempts at reform some things have not gone well.