Introduction to Electoral Administration BRIDGE Workshop for Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIEC)

To address the growing need for transparent and inclusive electoral processes at the local government level in Nigeria, the leadership and senior officials of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIEC) engaged in a comprehensive three-day BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections) workshop on Electoral Administration. Held in Kaduna State from September 4-6, 2024, the workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of participants to manage local council elections with integrity, inclusivity, and professionalism, further strengthening the electoral process in Nigeria. The workshop also served as an invaluable opportunity for participants to come together to collectively deepen their understanding, learn, share experiences, and build the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of electoral administration and advancing democracy.

Workshop Highlights 

Participants: the workshop was attended by 20 (12 males and 8 females) senior staff members.

Curriculum Focus: through collaborative discussions, interactive sessions, and practical exercises, participants understood electoral standards and principles, crucial operational aspects throughout the electoral cycle, and participation of marginalized groups, and delved deeper into building institutional excellence.

Impact

Participants commended the workshop’s content, the knowledge gained, interactive training methods, and facilitators’ expertise. Many expressed enthusiasm for applying the skills and knowledge acquired during the workshop, demonstrating its impact and value. During the closing ceremony, the facilitators were satisfied that the BRIDGE curriculum met the expected outcomes of the course which strengthened the electoral capacity of KADSIEC staff.

Participants’ Feedback

The workshop concluded on a high note, with participants consistently rating each session between 4 and 5 in their evaluations. Feedback from daily and end-of-course assessments highlighted the relevance and informativeness of the content, effective training methodology, and appropriate workload. Additionally, the participants deeply appreciated IFES and its funding partners, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

Certificates and Acknowledgments

Upon completing the three-day workshop, successfully participating in all activities, and fulfilling all assigned tasks, participants were awarded Certificates of Completion, recognizing their dedication and accomplishment in enhancing their electoral administration skills. The workshop was facilitated by Seray Jah (Lead Facilitator and Accrediting Facilitator), alongside co-facilitators Simon Fanto, Judith Mnguember Toryem, and Victor Ajine Enyi (TtF-Complete).