The upcoming local elections in Colombia on October 29, 2023, represent a challenge for the National Civil Registry (RNEC) in terms of enhancing inclusive political participation as well as managing logistics.

  Recognizing the importance of political inclusion and full socio-political incorporation of armed conflict victims and former combatants, the International Affairs Office of the RNEC, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and funding from Sweden, implemented the project ¡Join the democracy route! This program trains citizens, candidates, victims, and former combatants on political rights and civic and democratic values and introduces the pre-during-post electoral process.

  The project began on July 26, 2023, in the departments of Cauca (Santander de Quilichao, Buenos Aires, and Caldono municipalities) and Meta (Mesetas and La Uribe municipalities). In the first phase, it has impacted around 200 people, and the purpose of the project is to expand it to 550 people. Currently, the project is under preparation for launching in the department of La Guajira. (Bold letters - provinces or departments differently colored on the map above)

NEBE Conducts its 3rd Referendum

   Due to major irregularities in one of the five zones, Wolaita, the NEBE Board, made a decision to annul the result of the referendum for the Woliata Zone alone and to conduct a re-referendum in the Zone. The Federal Police conducted a thorough investigation, following which both the Federal Police and the Ministry of Justice confirmed instances of multiple grave operational infractions.

   Following a series of consultations with stakeholders, NEBE enlisted, for the re-referendum, a workforce of 9,060 poll workers, with 5,436 from Addis Ababa and the remaining 3,624 from the Wolaita Zone. NEBE provided the poll workers with training and conducted the re-referendum on June 19, 2023, in 1812 polling stations in the Wolaita zone.

   Overall, the referendum was conducted in six zones and five special districts of the SNNP at a grand total of 4,471 polling stations, with support from 35 referendum regulation centers. 22,355 poll workers participated. Out of 53,155 voters who voted in the referendum, and out of these valid votes, 51,467 voted for the establishment of a new Regional State. Since the re-establishment of NEBE in 2019, the Board has conducted one general election and three referendums.

Malawi Electoral Commission

MEC launches Strategic Plan and Operational Plan

MEC Chair and Chief Justice

   Friday, August 11, 2023, was a great day for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) as it launched two documents: the 2023-28 Strategic Plan and the 2025 General Election Operational Plan in Lilongwe.

   The launch was held under the theme “Enhancing Cost-Effectiveness in Election Management through Digitalisation.”

   The MEC Chairman, Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale, said the Strategic Plan reflected the collective vision of the Commission, encapsulating its aspirations, goals, and objectives. He said the plan would guide the Commission's activities over the next five years, enabling it to respond to the evolving electoral landscape and adapt organizationally to better fit the conditions of the future. He added that the plan aims to enhance the efficiency, credibility, and inclusivity of the electoral process, thereby strengthening public trust and confidence in the MEC. The Strategic Plan is the fifth since the establishment of the Commission in 1998. It has four pillars which are Electoral Environment, Internal Business Processes, Electoral Operations and Information Management Systems, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

MEC and NRB Sign MOU Ahead of 2025 General Election

Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation

   On July 28, 2023, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation (CEC of Russia) held a special session at the “Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum” in St. Petersburg. The discussion entitled "Electoral Systems amidst Challenges to Electoral Sovereignty: Legislation and Technology” focused on risks and responses that arise in front of election organizers.

   “We see two major challenges – technological and geopolitical,” stated CEC Member Pavel Andreev, who chaired the session. "Electoral standards are the foundation for the voters’ trust and the legitimacy of the vote, which in its turn is the basis for the stability of a nation. We are prepared to share the experiences and solutions and consider this dialogue a contribution to global stability, which is in high demand these days.”

Russia and Africa Develop Dialogue in the Electoral Field

   Participants, who represented the Russian Parliament and civic society, electoral expert community, and technology companies, discussed how electoral systems employ digital technologies and ensure their cyber security, develop legal frameworks to resist external influence on national elections, and approach the standards of international observation.

   The representatives of election management bodies of Namibia and Cameroon spoke about their electoral systems along with the challenges they face.

   “Namibia has, over the years, introduced electoral reforms, including the acquisition and implementation of modern technologies to enhance efficiency,” – Namibian Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua shared in her speech. She also emphasized that: “The holding of elections, including the use of technology, is a sovereign decision based on a legal framework of the specific country. There should be no room for external control and influence.” 

   The event launched an important discussion on electoral cooperation within frameworks of major international forums.

   The CEC of Russia reiterated its openness and readiness to welcome foreign partners to observe the forthcoming electoral campaigns.

  Many panelists and participants, including representatives from the International IDEA, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, scholars at university and research centers, and technology firms including Google and Meta, gathered to share views and insights, hoping democracy in the region develops further.

   A-WEB had two panelists from the COMELEC of the Philippines and the CEC of Taiwan. Ms. Esmeralda Amora-Ladra, a former director IV, and Commissioner Dr. Chao-chi Lin, respectively, presented their own challenges and exercises concerning promoting young citizens to vote and participate in political spaces. Along with the two, IRI shared how young voters are getting more engaged with the political activities of parties and IRI’s initiatives. IRI also had two experts from field offices in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

   A-WEB is always keen to meet with diverse electoral stakeholders.

* The Asia Centre is a research institute that aims to create social impact in the region.

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