Regional approaches to improving Electoral processes

The third edition of the “Get to Know ECOWAS Training Programme” organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung was successfully held in Abuja, from 13th to 22nd June 2012. Focusing this year on Electoral Processes in West Africa, the training programme was attended by eighteen (18) participants including 14 Junior Experts from the region and 4 FES Staff and intern. The main objective was to get a clearer understanding of challenges and perspectives of elections in the region. Among other topics, particular attention was given to discussion on Electoral Norms and Standards in the region, Election Management Bodies (EMB), Electoral violence and International Assistance. Organizations and Bodies such as the ECOWAS Commission (Electoral Assistance Unit/CPAPS), ECOWAS Court of Justice, ECOWAS Parliament, UNDP, IFES, NDI, Nigeria INEC, NDC etc... were asked to render their expertise to assist answer questions from these young experts. FES also introduced productive means to share ideas among the experts themselves through group discussions. Participants and resource persons have all agreed that this program was a great opportunity to inform on the ECOWAS various institutions and initiatives in the member countries. It also helped to make recommendations and perspectives that will soon be published to facilitate advocacy on accurate electoral processes in the ECOWAS region.