Introduction to Electoral Administration

UNDP Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the Central Commission for holding Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan, conducted a four-day Introduction to Electoral Administration Modular BRIDGE Workshop, with activities primarily focusing on Voter Registration and Gender Equality and Elections. The workshop was designed to provide the members of the Central Commission for holding Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan and in velayats with strategic capacity-building opportunities to enhance the overall electoral process. The program offered targeted sessions on developing a comprehensive voter register, drawing upon international and comparative best practices.

The workshop, conducted in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan from February 18-21 2025, was led by BRIDGE facilitators Natia Kashakashvili and Shalva Tskhakaya. Twenty-five participants (11 female and 14 male) attended the workshop.

The workshop was opened by Gandymow Amangeldi, the Deputy chairperson of Central Election Commission of Turkmenistan and UNDP Deputy DRR Tomisa Paowiç. The workshop followed typical BRIDGE workshop agenda. The workshop aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive examination of essential elements in democratic election management. The program began with foundational sessions covering the electoral cycle as a planning tool, international standards for democratic elections, and various models and functions of Election Management Bodies (EMBs). These initial sessions established a strong theoretical framework that grounded participants in both global best practices and practical administrative approaches.

The workshop then progressed into specialized areas with particular emphasis on voter registration and gender equality in electoral processes. Participants explored the technical aspects of voter registration systems, including electronic technologies and operational planning, while examining crucial aspects of women’s political participation and strategies for promoting gender equality throughout the electoral cycle. This combination of technical expertise and inclusive practices culminated in sessions on building institutional excellence, providing participants with both the practical tools and strategic vision needed to strengthen democratic processes in their respective electoral contexts.

Participants enjoyed the workshop, BRIDGE learning methodology and training techniques. They provided feedback at the end of each day on the content as well as the conduct of the workshop through verbal and written evaluations. Participants have expressed eagerness to attend future BRIDGE workshops on various topics.

At the end of the workshop all the participants were awarded certificates of completion.