Introduction to Electoral Administration Workshop for Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC)

Strengthening Electoral Management Capacity of Sub-national EMBs in Nigeria

In response to the increasing demand for credible and inclusive electoral processes at the sub-national levels in Nigeria, the management and senior staff of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) participated in a transformative three-day BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections) workshop on Electoral Administration. Held in Enugu State from June 10-13, 2024, the workshop aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the staff in managing local council elections with integrity and inclusivity.

Workshop Highlights

Participants: The workshop was attended by 14 senior staff members (11 males and 3 females), all eager to learn and improve their electoral administration capabilities.

Curriculum Focus: The interactive sessions covered a comprehensive range of topics tailored to the participant’s needs, including:

·      Principles of Electoral Administration

·      Electoral Systems

·      Electoral Management Bodies

·      Operational Planning

·      Electoral Security

·      Cybersecurity and Disinformation

·      Stakeholder Participation, Inclusion, and Voter Education

·      Building Institutional Excellence

The versatile curriculum promoted active engagement through group discussions, role-playing, and practical exercises, fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.

Impact:

Participants acknowledged the workshop’s value in enhancing their capacity to deliver credible and inclusive electoral processes. They developed strategic reform plans, demonstrating their personal and professional commitment to applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills in their roles. This commitment underlines their dedication to improving sub-national electoral processes using the insights gained during the workshop.

Participant Feedback:

The participants deeply appreciated IFES and its funding partners, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). Their gratitude was evident in the final workshop evaluation and reflection sessions, highlighting the supportive environment created for this impactful learning experience.

Certificates and Acknowledgments:

After the workshop, participants were awarded certificates of completion, symbolizing their readiness to implement the best practices learned. The workshop was expertly facilitated by Seray Jah (Lead Facilitator and Accrediting Facilitator), alongside co-facilitators Simon Fanto, Judith Mnguember Toryem, and Victor Ajine Enyi (Semi-accredited Facilitators).

This workshop represents a significant step forward in strengthening the electoral management capacity of sub-national EMBs in Nigeria, paving the way for more credible and inclusive electoral processes in the future.