Bridge Training for Political Parties

BRIDGE Training Workshop on Political Parties and Candidates

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Lesotho convened a BRIDGE training workshop at Blue Mountain Inn in Berea District from 22 to 25 July 2025. Secretaries General representing twenty political parties participated in the workshop. The Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) is a globally recognised curriculum designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of electoral stakeholders.

The facilitation team was led by Rindai Chipfunde Vava supported by facilitators from the IEC’s Civic and Voter Education Department, namely Ms Lydia Macheli, Ms Nthallo Letšela, and Ms Monica Lephahamela. Together, the team ensured a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, blending technical insight with participatory engagement.

Throughout the training, participants engaged with interactive and participatory sessions and activities drawn from the BRIDGE curriculum. Key topics explored included the nature and purpose of political parties, the roles and benefits of programmatic party structures, strategic planning processes, codes of conduct, and emerging trends in ICT and social media. The sessions fostered a deeper understanding of party dynamics and underscored the importance of ethical leadership and informed engagement in democratic processes.

A diverse mix of facilitation techniques, including plenary sessions, structured debates, group discussions, buzz groups, gallery walks, and role plays, enabled meaningful interaction and peer learning throughout the workshop. As part of the experiential learning approach, participants also composed jingles and slogans, showcasing their creativity and reinforcing key messages in innovative formats. This hands-on engagement not only deepened conceptual understanding but also energised the sessions with practical, values-driven contributions.

By the close of the workshop, participants described the experience as informative, affirming that the training had successfully met its intended objectives. In turn, the facilitation team also expressed appreciation for the participants’ commitment to the training and their active engagement throughout the workshop proceedings. Their contributions reflected a genuine investment in the learning process, enriching the collective experience.

At the end of the workshop, participants pledged to disseminate the knowledge acquired during the training within their respective political parties and communities. They identified several key takeaways to guide their continued efforts, including:

1. Strengthening strategic planning frameworks within their political parties
2. Transitioning from personality-driven politics to more programmatic and policy-oriented approaches
3. Regularly assessing their party operations by using the risk assessment matrix and putting relevant strategies to enhance adaptability and resilience in the evolving and complex world

These reflections underscored the workshop’s role in fostering practical insights and catalysing leadership transformation across party structures.