The Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC), is pleased to be hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa in partnership with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) to organize the 13th iteration of the New Commissioners’ Orientation (NCO) Programme.
The programme will be held at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, O.R Tambo Airport, from 3 – 5 June 2026. It aims to strengthen the capacity and resilience of electoral leaders across the region.
Members of the media are invited to attend the official opening of the programme on Wednesday, 3 June 2026 at 09h00.
The NCO brings together Chairpersons, Commissioners and Chief Election Officers from 16 Election Management Bodies in the Southern African region who have been recently appointed to their positions.
The delegates for the 13th cohort of the regional NCO are drawn from: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa.
This programme is co-funded by the European Union through the Strengthening Pan-African Capacities for Electoral Observation and Assistance (SPEC) project which is being implemented by International IDEA.
Professional and capable electoral leadership is essential to delivering credible, transparent, and peaceful elections. The NCO Programme addresses this need by equipping newly appointed commissioners with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools required to effectively manage electoral processes and uphold democratic standards.
It also provides a valuable platform for peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of regional experiences. Since its launch in 2012, the NCO Programme has become a key platform for capacity development and knowledge sharing among EMBs in Africa.
Through this joint initiative, the partners reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing electoral integrity, and promoting credible electoral processes across Southern Africa.
Contact Persons:
Olufunto Akinduro, Senior Adviser, Electoral Processes, International IDEA: O.Akinduro@idea.int
Hilda Modisane, Executive Secretary, ECF-SADC hmodisane@ecfsadc.org
OR
Kate Bapela, National Spokesperson, IEC South Africa
For media queries: Please contact Kate Bapela on 082 600 6386
For media interviews: Email requests to spokesperson@elections.org.za
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