BRIDGE Training on Electoral Governance and Reform for Signatories to the Political Commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue

BRIDGE Workshop Equips Signatories to the Political Commitment for Informed Electoral Reform Discussions

From 31 July to 1 August 2026, COTE, with the support of UNDP and International IDEA, organized a two-day BRIDGE Workshop in Ponta do Ouro for 24 representatives (5 women and 19 men) from the nine political parties’ signatory to the Inclusive National Dialogue. The workshop aimed to strengthen political dialogue, build trust among stakeholders, and enhance informed participation in Mozambique’s ongoing electoral reform process.

Facilitated by five accredited BRIDGE facilitators, the programme was based on the Introduction to Electoral Administration module and covered key topics including the electoral cycle, electoral management bodies, legal frameworks, voter registration, electoral systems, and results management. The content was tailored to the needs of the Inclusive National Dialogue and the country’s current reform agenda.

“Participants, including senior leaders from FRELIMO, RENAMO, PODEMOS, MDM, RD, PAHUMO, PARENA, PARESO, and ND, actively engaged in presentations, group work, and technical discussions. The workshop received highly positive evaluations, with 77% of participants rating the content as very good and 78% giving the same rating to the facilitators.”

Beyond enhancing technical knowledge, the workshop fostered confidence, constructive engagement, and mutual understanding among political actors. Participants recommended continued BRIDGE capacity-building on topics such as electoral oversight, conflict management, public administration, and reconciliation, highlighting the importance of sustained political training to support Mozambique’s democratic reform process.

The workshop was made possible through the generous support of Canada, the European Union, Germany, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom, reaffirming the commitment of UNDP and International IDEA to strengthening democratic governance, inclusive dialogue, and institutional capacity in Mozambique.