Windhoek:A three-day workshop focused on electoral resilience and risk management began at the NamPower Convention Centre in Windhoek on Monday. The event is organized by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).

According to NAMPA, the workshop aims to safeguard electoral integrity by equipping officials with the skills to manage logistics effectively and handle unforeseen challenges. ECN Chairperson Dr. Gerson Sindano highlighted the importance of protecting electoral integrity, enhancing institutional preparedness, and developing strategies to address emerging risks in electoral processes.

Dr. Sindano emphasized the critical need for robust risk management strategies given the rapidly evolving political landscape and global uncertainties. He stressed that maintaining the integrity of elections is essential for ensuring trust in the democratic system, promoting active citizen participation, and fostering social cohesion.

The workshop serves as an opportunity to strengthen electoral democracy in Namibia. Dr. Sindano expressed gratitude to International IDEA and IIIDEM for their commitment to strengthening democratic processes and electoral integrity worldwide. He noted that the training would enable participants to better understand risks affecting electoral processes and develop practical strategies to address them.

IIIDEM Associate Professor Dr. Sanjay Sharma also spoke at the event, underlining the importance of anticipating electoral risks and enhancing the capacity of electoral management bodies to respond to unforeseen challenges while maintaining public confidence. Dr. Sharma explained that moving from risk management to resilience is key, as it ensures the election process continues smoothly and maintains public trust even when problems arise.

The workshop aims to identify structural threats and develop strategies tailored to Namibia's political and geographical landscape, shifting electoral management from a reactive approach toward greater institutional resilience.