Customised BRIDGE Modular Workshop – Introduction to Electoral Administration

ZESN HOSTS BRIDGE CUSTOMISED WORKSHOP- INTRODUCTION TO ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATION IN BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE

Representatives of civil society organisations and Chapter 12 institutions stirred up electoral discussions in the city of Bulawayo at a workshop hosted by the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN). The Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) Customised Workshop on the Introduction to Electoral Administration module was held from 27- 29 May 2025 at the Holiday Inn, Bulawayo. The workshop was attended by a total of 25 participants, twelve of whom were females and 13 were male. 

 The facilitation team was led by Rindai Chipfunde Vava and also included Thandeka Tatsvareyi and Chifarai Sarah Masike. The Facilitators employed the BRIDGE curriculum while harnessing their skills and experience to make the concepts relatable, easy to understand, and to encourage participants to engage in a fun, but professional manner as well as create an environment where they were free to share their own experiences and knowledge. Participants particularly enjoyed the energisers as well as the different and creative way in which the sessions were delivered which kept them intrigued and eager to learn more, thereby enhancing their professional development.

Participants were introduced to foundational electoral concepts such as Elections, Democracy and Governance and also discussed Sustainable Development Goals. Through interactive role plays, debates, quizzes, group and plenary discussions, the customised agenda delved into various electoral concepts such as Electoral Standards, Voter Registration, Delimitation and Access and Participation of Minority Groups. The module was customised to focus more on civic and voter education of electoral processes in line with ongoing efforts of keeping discussions on electoral issues alive as Zimbabwe prepares for the next harmonised elections. Subsequent to covering the key concepts which are of interest to the Zimbabwean context, participants then focused on Civic and Voter Education and covered the definitions, principles, steps and design civic and voter education messages. The workshop ended on a practical note in which participants designed effective delivery methods of civic and voter education messages, taking into consideration different target groups. The session was lively and participants showcased their creativity by developing jingles, slogans, role plays and adverts which were humorously acted out.

The workshop was a success and managed to meet its objectives. Participants described the workshop as;

1. Very educative
2. Highly interactive
3. Platform for sharing experiences and networking
4. Eye- opener
5. Well organised

The key takeaways which were made note of included;

1. Application of Electoral Standards and Principles
2. Delimitation processes and criteria
3. Power resides in people
4. Gender roles affect women participation
5. Elections can cause violence but can also be used to address violence
6. The need to take into consideration issues of mental health
7. Civic and Voter Education design and delivery of key messages

The Facilitation team thanked the participants for honouring the invitation and their active engagement. The participants in turn showed their appreciation and vowed to make productive use of what they had learnt during the three day workshop. It is anticipated that the workshop will positively contribute to ongoing efforts to deepen democracy and improve the conduct of elections in Zimbabwe.