LocationsInclusive National Dialogue: COTE members and electoral bodies deepen knowledge on electoral matters
March 24, 2026
Twenty-five (25) members of the Electoral and Constitutional Affairs Working Groups of the Technical Commission for the Implementation of the Inclusive National Dialogue (COTE) participated in a modular course of the international BRIDGE programme on Electoral and Democratic Governance. The training took place from 2 to 5 March in Maputo and also included members of the electoral management bodies.
The initiative was organized by COTE, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and implemented by facilitators accredited by the BRIDGE programme. Throughout the sessions, participants explored topics such as electoral administration, legal frameworks and reforms, types of electoral systems, voter registration, as well as reflections on results tabulation and announcement within the Mozambican legal framework. The objective was to strengthen the technical knowledge of COTE members, contributing to more informed discussions within the ongoing Inclusive National Dialogue process.
“The training provided us with a stronger theoretical foundation and international best practices,” says Lara Dias
Lara Dias, a member of the Electoral Affairs Working Group, considered the BRIDGE training timely in supporting the work of the COTE groups, noting that the content presented helps deepen understanding of electoral processes. According to her, the theoretical component and references to international best practices enable more in-depth reflection on issues such as perceptions of fraud, electoral conflicts, and systemic challenges. “The training provides us with a stronger theoretical foundation and international best practices,” she said, adding that this knowledge “allows for more informed decision-making in the process of electoral law reform.”
Similarly, Elton Comé, a member of the Constitutional Affairs Working Group, highlighted that the training helped clarify the interlinkages between the different topics under discussion in the expected reform process. Initially, he noted, he did not fully grasp the connection between the topics covered and the work of his group. However, as the sessions progressed, it became evident that these issues are deeply interconnected. “Everything is related, and the training helped us better understand the challenges of the process,” he explained, describing the training as “very rich and dynamic.”
Knowledge sharing and exchange with experts
Mariamo Mussa, a member of COTE, also positively assessed the training, emphasizing the relevance of the content shared for the work of the electoral and constitutional affairs groups. According to her, participants gathered valuable insights that can support the reflection process on electoral legal reforms.
“We collected a range of highly relevant data and content,” she said, adding that this knowledge “will be important for the work we have been assigned.” She further noted that similar trainings could be extended to other groups and even political parties, as this could help better frame and address conflicts that have occurred during pre-electoral, electoral, and post-electoral periods.
Lucas Pombal, also from the Electoral Affairs Working Group, highlighted that the training contributed to strengthening the technical knowledge required for the group’s work. In his view, one of the most enriching aspects was the exchange with experts and fellow participants. This interaction helped broaden perspectives and complement theoretical learning with practical electoral experience.
“We leave with a seed that should lead to a better electoral law,” says Alberto Ferreira
For the Vice-President of COTE, Alberto Ferreira, the training took place in an environment marked by active participation and experience sharing. He noted that the sessions helped reinforce knowledge and strengthen the spirit of collaboration among those involved in the process.
“We leave with a seed that should lead to what we all hope for: an electoral law that contributes to a better Mozambique,” he stated. On the occasion, Alberto Ferreira also expressed, on behalf of all participants, his appreciation to the partners who supported the initiative and to the BRIDGE facilitators for their knowledge sharing and the delivery of the training sessions.
In addition to UNDP’s financial contribution, the training was also supported by the governments of Germany, Canada, Spain, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.