A delegation from the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM), comprising Uza. Sinaya Zakariyya, Deputy Director of the Legal and Political Party Regulation Section, and Ms. Fathimath Shaba Bagir, Assistant Director and the Head of Commissioners Bureau, has successfully concluded the special training program titled “Youth and Elections,” held in Moscow, Russia, from 18 to 23 May.

 

The program formed part of the broader “League of Young Specialists CIS/BRICS” initiative under the specialized track “Synergy of Youth,” conducted within the framework of the International Engineering Championship CASE-IN.

 

The initiative is implemented under Russia’s “New Generation” program, established in 2011 and administered by Rossotrudnichestvo. Designed to strengthen public, business, and scientific cooperation between Russia and other countries, the programme has hosted more than 11,000 young professionals, experts, and policymakers from 154 countries.

 

Throughout the week-long program, participants attended sessions covering key aspects of electoral administration, including voter registration systems, political party regulation, candidate nomination procedures, and emerging challenges such as the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigns. Russian electoral officials also provided an overview of the structure and functions of the country’s election management system.

 

A key component of the program focused on election technologies. Delegates observed demonstrations of electronic voting systems, video surveillance mechanisms, automated ballot processing equipment, QR-coded protocol tracking, and the digital infrastructure supporting the GAS “Vybory” platform and remote electronic voting.

 

Participants also engaged in a practical election simulation exercise, managing various stages of the electoral process under standardized regulatory conditions. The program concluded with a business debate on the future of digital democracy and the evolving role of technology in electoral processes.

 

In addition to the technical sessions, delegates took part in cultural exchange activities, including visits to notable landmarks in Moscow and the Museum of Victory. The program concluded with feedback sessions, fulfilling its objective of promoting international dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing on modern election administration among emerging professionals.

 

The knowledge and experience gained through the program are expected to contribute to the ECM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral administration, enhance institutional capacity, and explore innovative approaches to election management. Exposure to international best practices and emerging electoral technologies will further support the Commission’s work in promoting transparent, efficient, and inclusive electoral processes in the Maldives.