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Switzerland supports lessons learned processes of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia

Article, 10.09.2021

Following June 2021 parliamentary elections, on September 10, 2021, UNDP, in partnership with Central Electoral Commission of Armenia (CEC), presented the results of a series of lessons learned exercises, aimed at discussing post-election activities and long-term planning. The exercises were organized by the CEC, in partnership with the Electoral Support Project in Armenia – 3 implemented by the UNDP and co-financed by Switzerland, the European Union, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Conference on the results of a series of post-elections lessons learned exercises
Conference on the results of a series of post-elections lessons learned exercises © UNDP

The main objective of the exercises was to reveal the key problems and gaps of the Armenian electoral system, ways to address them, as well as identify its strengths and areas for further improvements. This was achieved through a number of separate lessons learned exercises with a wide spectrum of election stakeholders: information technology (IT) experts and CEC IT department, Voter Authentication Device (VAD) operators, election commissioners, domestic observers, political party representatives, as well as through results of the focus groups.

The findings of mentioned events were presented during the final lessons learned Conference, followed by a panel discussion and a Q&A session. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) drew a specific focus towards the discussion on comprehensive civic and voter education in-between elections.

Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy and equally the Deputy Regional Director of Cooperation Werner Thut
Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy and equally the Deputy Regional Director of Cooperation Werner Thut © UNDP

During the panel discussion, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy and equally the Deputy Regional Director of Cooperation Werner Thut emphasized that, “In the SDC’s view, apart well-organized elections, which we all had the pleasure to contribute, having systematic voter education, on a permanent basis, in between of elections is of utmost importance. Which eventually goes back to Civic Education. This is not an easy task or specific to Armenia. Rather, having informed, active and mature citizens is something what all democracies aspire to, including the very old and well-established democracies.”

Mr. Thut added, “As a lesson learned of the June 20 elections, we wonder whether we should not give some deeper thought to these questions. Including on focusing on the youth engagement; and using modern tools and techniques, such as online and cable TV, or cable radio. This would allow reaching more voters and citizens.”

Mr. Thut’s intervention was aimed at enriching the package of recommendations, which has been endorsed and approved by the participants of the conference and submitted to the CEC. The input is reflected in the 5th recommendation, titled "Voter education" (see the linked documents below). 

The Electoral Support Project in Armenia supported the national authorities in holding credible and transparent pre-term elections and continues technical assistance in post-electoral period to strengthen the capacities of electoral management bodies in Armenia.  

CEC published recommendations:

English version

Armenian version

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Last update 06.11.2023