Out-of-Country BRIDGE workshop

On September 6-7, IFES Moldova, in collaboration with the Centre for Continuous Electoral Training (CICDE) by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Moldova, organized an Out-of-Country Voting (OCV) BRIDGE workshop aimed at improving electoral processes for Moldovan citizens living or temporarily residing abroad. The workshop was led by BRIDGE facilitators Pavel Cabacenco and Cristina Cucurudza and engaged a diverse group of participants, including CEC members and staff, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the District Electoral Council (DEC) responsible for out-of-country voting, and representatives from CICDE.

The workshop focused on various aspects of out-of-country voting, with special attention given to voting rights for citizens abroad, comparisons of OCV practices worldwide, and the OCV electoral cycle, emphasizing planning and logistics. A key point of discussion was the introduction of postal voting, a method set to be implemented for the first time in Moldova during the October 20 Presidential elections and constitutional referendum.

Through practical exercises, simulations, and teamwork, participants gained valuable insights into the postal voting procedures and enhanced their skills in managing OCV processes. The workshop highlighted the importance of careful planning and coordination for the upcoming elections, providing participants with the tools to ensure the successful implementation of this new voting modality. 

The participants expressed great appreciation for the workshop, acknowledging its significant value in preparing them for the upcoming responsibility of organizing postal voting. “I am very glad that, in addition to the accumulated knowledge, the workshop gave us the opportunity to meet all stakeholders involved in the process of implementation of voting by mail. It will make our work even more efficient”, said one of the DEC members during the workshop’s final evaluation session.