Chad’s electoral commission, the Agence Nationale de Gestion des Élections (ANGE) made significant strides towards reinforcing democratic processes through targeted civic and electoral education. The workshop held on August 29-30, 2024, with technical support from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), served as a key moment in strengthening the capacities of 26 ANGE members, including 10 women. The focus on inclusivity, particularly in engaging marginalized groups, highlights the evolving role of electoral bodies in modern democracies. Democratic elections, the cornerstone of legitimate governance, demand more than just a well-organized electoral process; they require an informed and engaged citizenry. The role of electoral bodies, such as Chad’s ANGE, extends beyond logistical management to encompass the task of civic education. Designed to equip ANGE members with the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill their voter and civic education mandate effectively during the upcoming harmonized parliamentary, provincial and communal elections scheduled on 29 December 2024, the capacity-building workshop for ANGE members underscores the importance of education in achieving transparent and inclusive elections.
Over the course of two days, ANGE members engaged in dynamic discussions and practical exercises that bridged the gap between theory and practice. The emphasis was on moving beyond abstract principles to actionable strategies that can be implemented on the ground. One of the workshop’s most striking revelations was the pervasive nature of electoral education across all aspects of ANGE’s mandate, as outlined in Article 7 of the law on the composition, responsibilities and functioning of ANGE. This observation, made together on the spot, prompted a rethinking of ANGE’s role, not just as an electoral administrator, but as a key player in the democratic education of the populace.
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to exploring strategies for engaging traditionally marginalized groups, particularly women, youth and person with disabilities. This focus aligns with global trends in electoral reform that seek to enhance the inclusivity of democratic processes. The discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities of mobilizing these groups, with a particular emphasis on grassroots engagement and the role of community leaders.
“This training is not just an academic exercise. It is the foundation of our ambition to guarantee transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections. By equipping our teams with the necessary technical and practical skills, we give them the tools to guide voters through the complexities of the triple ballot - legislative, provincial and municipal. We provide them with the means to harmonize awareness-raising messages, and effectively coordinate electoral education initiatives across the country.”
One of the workshop’s key outcomes was the recognition of the need for strategic collaborations. ANGE members were encouraged to forge partnerships with civil society organization (CSOs), media outlets, and other stakeholders to amplify their voter education efforts. By leveraging these partnerships and embracing voter education as a core function, ANGE can extend its reach and impact, ensuring that its messages resonate with a broader audience, not only for its own legitimacy but also for the broader goal of democratic consolidation in Chad
The capacity-building workshop marks a significant milestone in ANGE’s evolution as a central pillar of Chad’s democratic future. The success of the initiative underscored the importance of expanding its scope, leading ANGE to advocate for its extension to all regional branches. In doing so, ANGE sought to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach throughout its structure, thereby strengthening the effectiveness of its electoral mandate nationwide.
The event received extensive media coverage, highlighting its significance in Chad’s electoral landscape. On Sunday, September 1st, the Chadian national radio, RNT invited EISA’s Country Representative to Radio Weekend “File Rouge” program to shed light on the objectives, outcomes, and future prospects of the training, providing a platform to share the progress made and to discuss the next steps in advancing electoral education and awareness efforts across the country.
This blog post was made possible thanks to financial support from the European Union under grant agreement No. NDICI AFRICA/2022/435-927. The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU.
