From February 19 to February 21 this year, the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Program in Turkmenistan conducted a training on the BRIDGE methodology in Ashgabat.

The training was held on the topic "Introduction to election administration" within the framework of the joint project "Assistance in strengthening the capacity of the Central Election Commission for elections and referendums in Turkmenistan". It was attended by representatives of the Central Election Commission, Velayat election commissions, election authorities of the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, as well as representatives of political parties and the media.

The participants reviewed key aspects of the electoral process, including the election cycle, election planning, internationally recognized election standards and principles, models of electoral authorities, as well as the use of electronic technologies in the voter registration system. A separate session was devoted to issues of gender equality in the electoral process. The training was conducted by internationally accredited BRIDGE experts Natia Kashakashvili and Shalva Tskhakaya.

The BRIDGE methodology assumes an interactive approach, including group exercises, analysis of individual cases and practical tasks to improve the skills and deepen the knowledge of participants in the field of organizing the electoral process. BRIDGE training provides election administrators with the key skills and knowledge needed to improve the efficiency and transparency of electoral processes. The BRIDGE is a unique initiative in which five leading organizations in the field of democracy and governance, namely the Australian Electoral Commission, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division, have jointly committed to develop, implement and maintain the most comprehensive package of training programs and seminars, designed to be used as a tool in a broader electoral capacity development framework.