Electoral Training Institutionalisation: A Response from ICPS SkillWise to Emerging Research

In an era of heightened scrutiny over electoral integrity, the academic community has been prolific in examining the mechanisms behind Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). Studies such as "Election staff training: Tracing global patterns of institutionalisation" by Toby S. James et al. and others have significantly contributed to this discourse, outlining how deep integration of training correlates with the quality of democratic processes.

The article, “Election staff training: Tracing global patterns of institutionalisation” can be found here.

Issues Identified by the Study

The body of research, including works by International IDEA and researchers like Jeffrey Karp, Alessandro Nai, and Pippa Norris, has highlighted several key issues:

  • Variability in Training Institutionalisation: Studies indicate significant disparities in how training is embedded within electoral processes worldwide, affecting election quality.
  • Need for Mandatory Training and Certification: Research underscores the importance of comprehensive training and certification processes to uphold high standards of election administration.
  • Learning and Development Opportunities: There is a noted gap in continuous professional development for EMB staff, essential for adapting to evolving electoral landscapes.
  • Organizational Infrastructure for Training: Establishing dedicated training units within EMBs is crucial for supporting and institutionalising effective training efforts.

ICPS SkillWise: Meeting the Pressing Needs of EMBs

In response to the emerging research on electoral training, ICPS SkillWise has developed a platform specifically designed to address these identified needs. Recognising the importance of research like that conducted by James et al., ICPS SkillWise aims to offer a comprehensive solution that meets the most pressing needs of EMBs as identified by current academic discourse.

Solution Offered by ICPS SkillWise

ICPS SkillWise provides a multifaceted training platform that addresses the core issues identified in the study:

Mandatory Training and Certification: SkillWise incorporates a robust certification programme, ensuring that all electoral officials meet a standardised competency level before participating in election processes. Continuous Learning and Development: The platform offers an array of learning and development modules, facilitating ongoing professional growth for EMB staff to keep pace with evolving electoral challenges. Dedicated Training Infrastructure: SkillWise supports the creation and management of dedicated training units within EMBs, enabling a structured and institutionalised approach to electoral training.

How ICPS Skillwise Addresses the Challenges Raised by Academic Literature

  • Variability in Training Institutionalisation: ICPS SkillWise offers a standardised, industry-leading training platform that effectively reduces disparities in training across different electoral processes worldwide. By providing access to consistent and high-quality training programs, ICPS SkillWise ensures that all Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) can achieve a uniform standard in electoral administration, thus enhancing the overall quality of elections.
  • Need for Mandatory Training and Certification: The platform supports mandatory training requirements by enabling EMBs to assign specific training modules to their staff. ICPS SkillWise not only tracks completion rates but also offers certification upon successful completion of the courses. This feature helps ensure that all electoral officials meet the necessary competency levels before participating in election processes, thereby maintaining a high standard of election administration.
  • Learning and Development Opportunities: ICPS SkillWise facilitates continuous professional development through its easily accessible online courses and materials. These resources allow electoral staff to undertake training at minimal cost to EMBs, and at their convenience in terms of time and location. This flexibility is crucial for adapting to the dynamic challenges and evolving landscapes of electoral administration. *Organisational Infrastructure for Training: The platform enables EMBs to custom-design training programs that fit their specific needs and ensure all workers meet established standards. By supporting the creation and management of dedicated training units within EMBs, ICPS SkillWise promotes a structured and institutionalised approach to electoral training, which is vital for sustaining and enhancing the effectiveness of electoral training efforts.

Academic Foundations and Practical Applications

The alignment between the findings of the aforementioned articles and the features of ICPS SkillWise underscores the platform's relevance to the field. ICPS have paid attention to current issues and attempted to ensure that SkillWise is grounded in an understanding of the academic landscape, and that it seeks to provide practical applications that address the issues highlighted in recent research. By synthesising academic insights with technological innovation, ICPS SkillWise aims to contribute to the enhancement of electoral integrity and the strengthening of democratic institutions worldwide.

Overall, ICPS SkillWise hopefully represents a proactive response to the academic community's call for improved electoral training and management. Through a research-informed approach, the platform endeavours to address the gaps and challenges identified, offering EMBs a tool to elevate the standards of electoral administration and ultimately, to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.

References:

  1. James, Toby S, Holly Ann Garnett, Erik Asplund, and Sonali Campion. “Election Staff Training: Tracing Global Patterns of Institutionalisation.” South African Journal of International Affairs, October 30, 2023, 1–21. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10220461.2023.2269890
  2. James, Toby S.; Garnett, Holly Ann, 2023, "Electoral Management Survey, (EMS-2.0)", https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/Z7XVMC
  3. Asplund, Erik; Training, Education and Research in Electoral Administration; International IDEA; https://www.idea.int/news-media/multimedia-reports/training-education-and-research-electoral-administration
  4. Jeffrey Karp, Alessandro Nai, Miguel Angel Lara Otaola, and Pippa Norris (2017) Building Professional Electoral Management. Electoral Integrity Project/AWEB paper https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58533f31bebafbe99c85dc9b/t/60478772cadeb81839185cda/1615300473100/Building_Professional_Electoral_Management_Report.pdf
  5. Barry C. Burden and Jeffrey Milyo. The Quantities and Qualities of Poll Workers.Election Law Journal: Rules, Politics, and Policy. Mar 2015.38-46.http://doi.org/10.1089/elj.2014.0277
  6. Alvarez, R. Michael, and Thad E. Hall. “Controlling Democracy: The Principal-Agent Problems in Election Administration.” Policy Studies Journal 34, no. 4 (November 2006): 491–510. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-0072.2006.00188.x