The National Elections Commission (NEC), with support from UNDP and partners (The European Union (EU), Ireland, and Sweden), held a two-day Data Collection and Management Training for 38 Magistrates and Assistant Magistrates (M&E Focal Persons) in Ganta, Nimba County on 18-19 July 2024.

The training aims to strengthen the M&E capacity and functions of NEC to effectively monitor and report the progress and results of interventions implemented, thus contributing to the successful implementation of the 2018-2024 Strategic Plan. 

During the opening, Barsee Leo Kpangbai, Oversight Commissioner for Monitoring and Evaluation, emphasized the importance of equipping participants with the skills needed for digital-based data collection and management, conveyed through a proxy.

"Senior Elections Magistrates and Assistant Magistrates play a crucial role in ensuring elections' integrity and smooth operation. The training aims to improve reporting processes to provide real-time data for better decision-making. It is expected to enhance participants' understanding of monitoring and evaluation compliance and provide them with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively monitor activities, plan, and report on progress within their respective roles."  Commissioner Kpangbai said. 

He expressed his gratitude to the UNDP and Carter Center for collaborating with the M&E Section to carry out the training.  

Timothy Woods, an M&E Analyst for UNDP LESP+, reiterated UNDP and its partners' ongoing dedication to supporting NEC and other electoral stakeholders in building their capacity. 

He emphasized the significance of the training, stating that every institution must identify performance gaps, find solutions, and make improvements to achieve their goals. Furthermore, he added that the training will modernize the way magisterial offices report and improve decision-making at the leadership level.

Key themes being instructed include Introduction to M&E (basic concepts of M&E procedures and processes to enhance productivity; NEC M&E Policy (Core Contents and its Importance); and Overview of the Revised Strategic Plan.

Other topics included the functions of the M&E Section and the importance of coordination with sections/units; the revision and exercise of data collection tools through simulation; and the exercise by completing the reporting template through simulation.

The training will introduce the participants to KoBoCollect, a digital reporting tool for NEC, designed by The Carter Center in collaboration with UNDP LESP+.

KoBo is a software used to collect, analyze, and manage data for surveys, monitoring, evaluation, and research. This tool played a significant role during the 2023 BVR and General Elections. It helped the NEC resolve issues coming from registration centers and polling places. 

The workshop is part of the 2024 activities of the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project+ (LESP+), which is co-funded by the European Union (EU), Ireland, and Sweden. The project aims to support the government of Liberia in strengthening democratic governance and promoting a more inclusive, participatory, and accountable democracy.