Ms. Zuhudha, Head of the Civic Education and Training Section at the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM), has successfully completed the Knowledge Co-Creation Program on Electoral Management in Democratic Countries, organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The three-week programme was held from 2 to 19 September 2026 at the JICA Tokyo Center in Japan, bringing together election officials from nine countries, including Iraq, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, the Maldives, Timor-Leste and South Sudan.

The programme focused on strengthening the capacity of election officials and promoting the exchange of knowledge and experiences in electoral management. Participants examined Japan’s experience in conducting democratic elections over the past 75 years and explored approaches to strengthening the credibility and effectiveness of electoral processes.

 

The programme covered key areas of electoral management, including voter registration and voter list management, polling and vote counting procedures, results management, voter and civic education, electoral system design, campaign financing, political party subsidies, electoral dispute resolution, media engagement and gender equality in elections. Participants also exchanged experiences on different electoral systems and electoral management practices in their respective countries.

As part of the programme, participants took part in practical field visits, including a visit to the National Election Management Authority and a mock voting exercise. The activities provided an opportunity to observe voting devices and procedures firsthand and gain practical insights into the operational aspects of election administration in Japan.

The programme also included visits to the NHK  (Japanese Broadcasting Commission) World Studio and the National Diet Building, providing participants with an opportunity to learn about the role of media and parliamentary institutions in Japan’s democratic system. Cultural activities and field visits to locations including Toyosu Market and Odaiba Seaside Park also offered participants an opportunity to experience Japanese society and culture.

The ECM’s participation in the programme contributes to the Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the professional capacity of its officials, exchange electoral expertise and further enhance the administration of elections in the Maldives. The programme also provided an opportunity to strengthen professional networks and cooperation among election management officials from participating countries.