Introduction to Electoral Administration Workshop for North Pacific EMBs

Seventeen representatives from the North Pacific Election Management Bodies (EMB) of Kiribati, Nauru, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) participated in a three-day BRIDGE workshop on Introduction to Electoral Administration module held at Pohnpei, FSM from 28 February to 01 March 2024. With the support of the Pacific Islands, Australia, and New Zealand Electoral Administrators (PIANZEA) network, and the UNDP Pacific Office, the workshop examined electoral standards and principles, addressed crucial operational aspects throughout the electoral cycle, and planned to foster a deeper understanding of effective election management practices.

The event concluded on a positive note, as reflected in participant evaluations, which consistently scored each session with an average rating ranging from 4.5 to 5. Participants were actively engaged and shown keen interest in all topics particularly those related to inclusiveness, voter awareness and stakeholder engagement around the electoral cycle. 

A highlight of the workshop was the engaging participant presentations, where representatives from the four countries shared insights about their unique electoral contexts, outlining both challenges, and opportunities.

The last day evaluation brought many participants to provide feedback on how they felt about the workshop. As stated by one of the EMB Commissioners, ‘the workshop gave me tools that will reinforce my action plans moving forward’. The workshop not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also facilitated space for stronger networks amongst them. Few participants described the experience as an “eye-opener,” emphasizing its significance while others expressed a desire for more BRIDGE sessions in their respective EMBs as well as at sub-regional levels.

The sub-regional discussions emerged as meaningful, offering a dedicated space for each island state to voice their opinions and explore deeper into challenges and possible solutions pertaining to elections.