International IDEA and the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Ukraine co-hosted a Capacity Development Workshop on Protecting Elections in Kyiv, Ukraine, from 26–28 November 2024. Building on previous initiatives, such as the Stockholm-based training for CEC members earlier this year and the enhancement of the Electoral Risk Management Tool (ERMTool), this workshop contributed to strengthening capacity of the CEC to protect elections.
Ukraine is preparing for its first post-war elections, and the CEC faces unprecedented challenges, including infrastructure damage, voter displacement, and heightened disinformation threats. This workshop was specifically designed for 25 senior managers of the CEC Secretariat to enhance their expertise in electoral risk management, resilience-building, and crisis response. It draws upon the Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections, a comprehensive curriculum incorporating global best practices and tailored solutions to Ukraine’s specific needs, designed in the framework of the Global Affairs Canada project “Protecting Elections”.
Key areas of focus
Over the three-day workshop, participants engaged in an interactive program covering:
- Electoral Risk Management: Participants worked on identifying and classifying risks, creating risk heat maps, and developing effective mitigation strategies.
- Building Electoral Resilience: Strategies to counter disinformation, strengthen public trust, and manage electoral disruptions were explored through case studies and group exercises.
- Crisis Management and Leadership: The hands-on "Strömsborg Scenario" simulation allowed participants to practice decision-making and leadership during electoral crises.
The workshop also emphasized integrating a risk management system into the CEC’s operations, leveraging insights from international cases to address challenges such as inadequate funding, electoral malfunctioning, disinformation, and cyber threats. Discussions highlighted the importance of leadership and communication during crises, with an emphasis on lessons learned from past experiences.
Why it matters
This workshop is a vital step toward ensuring that Ukraine’s electoral processes remain resilient and credible amid challenging circumstances. By equipping senior managers with advanced skills and tools, the initiative supports the CEC in its mission to uphold democratic governance. The discussions, simulations, and practical exercises enabled participants to co-create solutions, ensuring that Ukraine’s post-war elections will be conducted with integrity and public trust.
The Acting Head of the CEC Secretariat Natalia Vadimova shared: “The training conducted by International IDEA is the next step toward systematizing risk management issues within the Commission and building resilience to internal and external challenges. Sharing experiences on this topic is crucial for further efforts to minimize the occurrence of threats and crises. The seminar was held at a high professional level and proved valuable for the Secretariat staff of the Commission, who are involved in various areas of the Commission’s activities, including organizational, financial, legal, and others.”
The workshop culminated in a commitment to apply these frameworks in preparation for Ukraine’s post-war elections. International IDEA remains committed to supporting Ukraine's electoral integrity, with ongoing initiatives funded by the Governments of Liechtenstein, Sweden, and Finland. The workshop is a testament to the dedication of Ukrainian electoral stakeholders to not only rebuild but strengthen democratic institutions as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s future.
For more details, visit the project page: Protecting Elections.
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