Political Parties and Candidates Module Workshop

A four-day BRIDGE training workshop focusing on the Political Parties and Candidates module was successfully held from 24 to 27 June 2025 in Freetown. The workshop aimed at onboarding new staff members of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), with support from International IDEA.

The training, facilitated by Rejoice Sibanda and Joyce Pitso, sought to equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to effectively carry out their regulatory roles.

“One of BRIDGE’s key strengths lies in its ability to break down complex concepts into manageable, easily understood components, which makes it easier to effectively deliver for the participants’ understanding,” said Rejoice Sibanda, one of the facilitators, adding that with continued investment in BRIDGE workshops across the continent, there is great potential for the enhancement of Africa’s democratic processes.

Using the renowned BRIDGE methodology which emphasizes adult learning techniques such as role-plays, peer discussions, and case studies the workshop covered key topics including legal framework for political parties, political party financing, operational guidelines, women participation in politics and electoral disputes resolution. Mediation and consensus-building and compliance monitoring were other areas interrogated in the workshop.

One of the participants, Isata Sowa described the learning experience as invaluable, while Eugene Momoh said that the training “added value and reshaped my workplan and strategy.”

A total of 32 participants, comprising 12 women and 20 men from various departments such as IT, Procurement, Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Outreach, and Finance, participated in the training.

The workshop received high praise, with 90.3% of participants rating the course as useful. Organizers say the training has strengthened the Commission’s capacity to regulate political parties and candidates more effectively.