Within the framework of an EU-funded project titled ‘Strengthening Pan-African Capacities for Electoral Observation and Assistance, the African Union, in partnership with International IDEA is organising a customised Introduction to Electoral Administration the Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections (BRIDGE) Curriculum for EMB Networks and EMBs from countries holding elections in the last quarter of 2025, 2026 and 2027.

This training is an outcome of the Inception AU-RECs’ Reflection Meeting on Electoral Processes in Africa, jointly convened by the African Union (AU) and International IDEA, in April, 2025 which highlighted the need for robust institutional strengthening of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) through standard operating processes and training programs, which will result in the effective delivery of their mandate and enhance public trust in the EMBs.

This BRIDGE training will draw from different modules and thematic areas including Electoral Administration Media and Communication, Civic and Voter Education, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Management Training, Electoral Security, Gender and Inclusion, Voter Registration, Electoral Logistics and Procurement, Results Management, and Election Observation.

The objective of the BRIDGE training is to build the capacity of EMB Networks and EMBs in countries holding elections in 2026 and 2027, equipping them with the requisite skills, knowledge, and professional development in internationally accepted principles of democracy and good electoral practices. Specifically, it aims to:

1. Equip election management staff with up-to-date technical skills on the identified themes and deepen their understanding of electoral processes, procedures, and ethical standards.
2. Enhance the capacity of staff to manage risks, mitigate electoral fraud, and handle disputes.
3. Promote inclusivity and best practices in electoral administration, including gender and inclusion.
4. Build institutional resilience and sustainability in managing emerging threats to electoral integrity.

The training will be held for four days, from 19 to 22 August 2025 in Dakar, Senegal. Preparation by the Facilitators will start from August 15 to 18, 2025. Participants are drawn from Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Sao Tome & Principe, Uganda, and Zambia. It will also be attended by regional networks such as the  Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries – ECF-SADC and the ECOWAS network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC-RESAO) , East African Community (EAC), and the Network of Electoral Management Bodies in Central Africa (ROGEAC).