Nadi, Fiji: Electoral experts from Nauru gathered in Nadi for an intensive four-day training to bolster the country's democratic processes. The professional development initiative, aimed at strengthening operations at the Nauru Electoral Commission (NEC), brought together the nation's three Electoral Commissioners, newly appointed Registrar, and Executive Associate.

This focused effort addresses the unique challenges faced by small Pacific Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and marks a significant step in enhancing the NEC's capacity to plan, manage, and deliver elections in accordance with its legal mandate.

Supervisor of Elections with the Fijian Elections Office, Ana Mataiciwa, joined the program as a facilitator and stressed that elections are the cornerstone of democracy; the mechanism through which the voice of the people is heard, and the direction of a nation is charted.  

In her opening remarks, she said:

“This program is designed to address the unique challenges that we face as EMBs. We will explore critical areas such as strategic leadership, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, ethical standards, and effective electoral management practices.  

“It offers a unique opportunity for cross-learning and the establishment of lasting professional relationships with us, the Fijian Elections Office, and through future collaboration with other Pacific EMBs.”

Sessions conducted were tailor-made for the NEC, and focused on good governance principles, strategic planning and project management, leadership and mediation, communication, and interpersonal skills.  

NEC Commissioner Sylvanna Deireragea reflected on how beneficial the program was for herself and her role at the Commission.  

“It was a fantastic program. Personally, I felt that I attained some really good insights for myself and my role. It was very thorough, clearly understood and well executed,” she said.  

The exchange program stands as a pivotal element of UNDP's support to EMBs across the Pacific. With thanks to support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, UNDP is creating invaluable opportunities for sharing experiences, expertise, and best practices.  

This collaborative approach underscores UNDP's commitment to enhancing democratic processes and governance throughout the Pacific, ensuring that lessons learned and innovations in one country can inform and improve practices across the entire region.

The program concluded on 9 August.  

For more information contact:

Nick Turner | Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | nicholas.turner@undp.org