Strengthening democracies, governance, and elections in the region

Apia, Samoa – 08 November 2024 –  Members of election management bodies (EMBs) from the sub-region of Polynesia convened in Apia this week for an intensive three-day “Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections” (BRIDGE) workshop focused on electoral administration.

The workshop is organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi-Country Office in Samoa in collaboration with the Office of the Electoral Commissioner of Samoa, and the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand Election Administrators (PIANZEA) network, and funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the UNDP Pacific Elections Assistance Programme. The workshop sees the participation of representatives from Cook Islands, New Zealand, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, and Tuvalu.

“The objective of this workshop is both clear and ambitious: to equip participants with a strong understanding of the core elements of elections and electoral practices,” said UNDP Resident Representative, Aliona Niculita.

“Through this BRIDGE Introduction to Electoral Administration module, we aim to create a space for electoral officers to discuss essential topics such as electoral standards, principles, and management techniques,” said Niculita.

Staff of Samoa’s Electoral Office who participated in the BRIDGE workshop.

The foundational module on election administration is designed to serve as a springboard for continuous professional development for Pacific EMBs. The workshop provides a platform for EMBs to share knowledge and explore different approaches to managing elections in a bid to build resilient and transparent electoral systems that reflect the diverse voices of local communities.

“OEC is privileged to have representatives from each of our divisions attend, contributing to a diverse exchange of perspectives and practices. The workshop addressed essential aspects of electoral structures, systems, and processes, fostering a comparative analysis of how various countries within the region administer their electoral duties,” said Electoral Commissioner, Tuiafelolo John Stanley.

“Through this exchange, participants not only shared solutions to common electoral challenges but also identified strategies that may enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our own systems,” said Tuiafelolo.

The workshop covered a range of topics critical to effective electoral administration including different structural mandates, legal frameworks, electoral cycles, and voting systems. Participants also explored various voting methods, discussing the benefits and limitations of each approach. This comparative insight into the complexities of electoral administration has provided valuable lessons that will inform future decision-making processes for OEC and other participating EMBs.