From Induction to Impact: Embedding Excellence in Electoral Leadership

“Empowering Leadership, Elevating Standards”

Addis Ababa, 16–17 July 2025 — In a landmark initiative, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), with support from UNDP and other partners, hosted an advanced induction workshop for newly appointed board members and senior staff. The two-day event marked another significant milestone in NEBE’s institutional journey, aiming to inspire a new generation of electoral leaders.

“Made me realize why I came to NEBE & gave courage to be a good leader”.

— Participant feedback

This powerful sentiment echoed throughout the workshop, capturing the spirit of renewal and purpose that defined the experience. Participants were immersed in the BRIDGE methodology through a carefully selected blend of topics from the Introduction to Elections and the Building Institutional Excellence in Elections (inXel) Module, gaining deep insights into international obligations and human rights charters, which form the fundamental basis of the concept of democracy that we have committed to building. 

What set this workshop apart was its experiential learning approach, designed specifically for this induction. Facilitators introduced interactive simulations that brought abstract concepts to life—demonstrating the four building blocks of the inXel model and the dynamics of a level playing field in elections throughout the electoral cycle approach. These simulations were not just educational—they were transformative.

“The interactive experiences made international standards feel real and achievable.”

— Participant feedback

Ms. Lenka Homolkova, UNDP Chief Technical Advisor for Elections, also supported the sessions showcasing how international electoral obligations, translated into standards and good practices, can be practically implemented, reinforcing the importance of electoral integrity, universal suffrage, and stakeholder engagement.

Building a Culture of Excellence, participants explored NEBE’s organizational culture, identifying key areas for growth and strategies to foster a positive, professional civil service environment. Communication challenges were addressed head-on through collaborative problem-solving exercises that fostered openness and practical solutions.

By the end of the workshop, attendees demonstrated a heightened awareness of their roles in upholding public trust and advancing democratic values. The event concluded with a collective commitment to institutional excellence, integrity, and inclusive leadership.

“I feel like I am lucky to have a chance to be here and take the course, it gives me a lifetime lesson knowledge and skill”.

— Participant testimonial

This induction workshop was more than a training—it was a declaration of NEBE’s dedication to excellence, transparency, and both personal and institutional integrity. Through international collaboration and a commitment to inclusive leadership, NEBE has taken a bold step toward redefining electoral professionalism in Ethiopia. This, pioneering approach sets a powerful precedent for other institutions across Ethiopia, inspiring a culture of accountability, innovation, and service to the public.

“This training was thought-provoking, that I will use it as a springboard to expand my knowledge further”.

— Participant testimonial

The workshop was implemented through the SEEDS2 Project (Strengthening Ethiopia’s Elections for Democratic Sustainability), with support from Austria, Spain, Denmark, Ireland and the Government of Ethiopia.