Customised Introduction to Electoral Administration

ZESN Conducts BRIDGE Customised Introduction to Electoral Management Workshop

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network conducted a BRIDGE Customized Introduction to Electoral Management Workshop. The workshop was held from 20 to 22 May 2025 at the Holiday Inn Mutare, Zimbabwe, and attended by a total of twenty-nine participants, comprising fourteen females and fifteen males. These were drawn from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, the Zimbabwe Media Commission, civil society, and faith-based organisations.

The workshop’s primary objective was to equip Chapter 12 institutions and civil society with the necessary skills to enhance their capacity for continuous advocacy throughout the electoral cycle. This is against the background of ZESN compiling a Compendium of Recommendations from Election Observation Missions, both domestic and international, that observed the Zimbabwe 2023 Harmonised elections. The workshop thus provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of electoral standards that are vital in improving the conduct of elections in Zimbabwe.

The workshop was led by seasoned BRIDGE facilitator Rindai Chipfunde Vava, who was supported by Tariro Shonhiwa, and Thandeka Tatsvareyi. The Facilitators employed the adult learning methodology as per the BRIDGE curriculum, which the participants applauded. The various training techniques, which included debates, quizzes, role-plays, gallery walks, and group work, were highly interactive, engaging, and interesting ways for participants to learn new concepts while sharing and drawing from existing knowledge and skills in electoral processes.

Zimbabwe is in the pre-election phase of the electoral cycle, presenting an opportunity to advocate for electoral reforms in preparation for the next harmonized elections. Therefore, the module was customized to focus on the foundation and potential advocacy areas such as;

1. Elections in the Global Context
2. Elections as a Conflict resolution tool in a democracy
3. Democratic Government and SDGs
4. Ethics and Good Governance
5. Guiding Principles of Election Management
6. Access to Electoral Processes- Gender, People with Disabilities
7. Electoral Management Bodies
8. Electoral Systems
9. Boundary Delimitation
10. Voter Registration
11. ICTs and Cybersecurity

Participants expressed the following as the key takeaways from the workshop;

1. The ability to explain the boundary delimitation criteria
2. PWDs appreciated the electoral cycle, and assistance needed to be given to this minority group to access electoral processes
3. Everyone must be given an opportunity to learn the appropriate Disability language
4. Processes and institutions are never perfect. However, they should aim to conform to minimum international standards and best practice.
5. There are information deficits with regards to key electoral processes. Participants and key relevant institutions were urged to educate the public on these to avoid misconceptions and misinformation.

Due to the richness of the content and discussions, participants emphasized the need to allocate more time for sessions, which would result in extending the workshop duration. However, key concepts were adequately covered, and participants were also equipped with resources for further reading. They vowed to productively utilize enhanced knowledge and understanding in influencing programming and advocacy initiatives within their respective organisations. The workshop concluded on a delightful note, with participants receiving certificates for attending and actively participating in the workshop. They thanked ZESN and collaborating partners and called for more initiatives in future.