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This programmatic option describes support to (the roll out of) training for early warning and early response actors to facilitate the effective roll-out of an early warning system, so the actors involved know their role in the system and coordination is promoted from the onset. Training for early warning and early response actors can be a standalone initiative or part of broader capacity strengthening initiatives on conflict prevention, human rights and the role of certain actors in preventing violence during elections.
Generally, early warning systems are platforms that receive and analyse data to assess them for impending signs or increasing possibility of violence. Early warning systems or platforms established to prevent and mitigate election-related violence bring together a number of electoral stakeholders, including potentially the electoral authorities, security agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs). While early warning systems for electoral violence should ideally operate on a continuous basis to benefit from a longer-term perspective, electoral-specific early warning systems are ideally up and running approximately 12 months prior to an election to cover the important pre-polling events, including candidate and voter registration.
There are several actors that may be well placed to be leading or involved in the early warning system. While CSOs may lead their own ‘early warning’ efforts, the effectiveness of such efforts will largely depend on the degree to which they are able to collaborate with official actors who are mandated to act against violence, including for example security forces. Examples exist where Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and/or human rights commissions (HRCs) have led on electoral early warning and early response.
Training for early-warning and early-response actors can be a stand-alone initiative or part of broader capacity-strengthening initiatives on conflict prevention, human rights and the roles of certain actors in preventing violence during elections. A specific training manual will likely need to be developed, or where early warning and early-warning initiatives exist, existing training materials may be used.
Where this activity follows the design and roll-out of an electoral early warning and early response system, it will be based on an electoral violence risk assessment and actor mapping (link to options), which will assess the political, social and cultural context and ensure that the training is tailored to local needs and challenges. Where the training serves as a stand-alone activity building on an already existing system, a context analysis may be of value to ensure contextualization and that the system is up to date.
In addition, the following considerations are of value:
Identifying who is best placed to implement training for electoral early warning and early response actors involves considering various stakeholders with the expertise, resources and local knowledge necessary for effective programming. It will also depend on the actors involved and/or leading the early warning and early response system as well as how it is being supported. Ownership is an important element to consider, with those leading the system often best placed to lead the training, at least partially. The following may be considered, and different actors may lead on different components of the training:
To effectively engage young people, partnering with youth organizations, universities and local community groups to co-design training modules that resonate with their experiences and aspirations can bring in the youth perspective. Incorporating interactive and participatory methods, such as role-playing, simulations and technology-based tools, can enhance engagement and ensure that training is relatable and dynamic. Additionally, providing platforms for youth to take on leadership roles in the training process – such as facilitating sessions or leading discussions – can empower them and build their confidence as active contributors to electoral conflict prevention.
One of the programmatic options has been dedicated to ensuring gender-sensitive and gender-responsive early warning and early response systems. In summary, however, and specific to the training, several elements are key:
The training is likely to be tailored to a select group of individuals who have been specifically invited due to their expertise, roles or potential contributions to the system. As such, use personalized communication methods, such as direct emails or phone calls, to invite participants. This approach reinforces the significance of their involvement and makes them feel valued. After the initial announcement, send follow-up communications that reiterate the importance of the training and provide details on logistics, ensuring invited participants feel informed and prepared.
Key stakeholders to involve may depend on the nature and extent of the system, and who is engaged. The following may be involved:
Coordination strategies may be initiated based on an actor mapping (see programmatic option). Collaborative planning may be one of the subjects during the training to facilitate collaborative response in the future. Joint communication may be discussed during the training as well.
Ad-hoc refresher training sessions may be organized according to needs, and training materials may be shared such that the actors involved can revisit the content whenever. Ensuring participation of the national actors involved in the actual roll-out of the system can ensure sustainability such that they do not fully depend on outsiders when refreshers are needed.
When budgeting for the training, consider the following
Coordination challenges: Effective early warning and response require collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including government and civil society. The training should ideally reflect this collaborative effort and can foster coordination and collaboration by bringing the various stakeholders together in one room. If this is not achieved and trainings are conducted separately, it may undermine such efforts.
Political sensitivity: Early warning systems may deal with sensitive political issues, leading to potential pushback from stakeholders, which may impact the training and its participants if a sense of legitimacy and credibility is called into question from the onset. The trainings can serve as a push factor if done collaboratively.
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