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Focused, 2-day capacity building programme for electoral field functionaries from Bihar begins 229 BLOs, 12 EROs and 2 DEOs take part in the training program at IIIDEM in the National CapitalSpecialized one-day training programme for State Police Nodal Officer (SPNO) and Police Officers from Bihar also begins

Published on 23-Apr-2025 07:52 PM

Capacity Building Program Enhances Election Management Skills


In an era where elections are more intricate and crucial than ever, the role of law enforcement remains undervalued. However, this isn’t a simple question—it’s about collaboration between election officials and police forces to ensure a fair and effective system. This is exactly what we’re discussing in our blog: a 2-day capacity building program hosted by IIIDEM (The Indian Institute of Democracy & Election Management), designed to elevate the skills of BLOs (Booth Level Officers) from Bihar.


Introduction

The election calendar in India is becoming more complex, with increasing pressure on election officials and law enforcement teams. The government has emphasized the importance of ensuring that these agencies can effectively manage electoral rollouts while upholding public safety. However, many officers remain unprepared to handle the dual responsibilities required for effective elections. This is where our capacity-building program comes in: a training initiative designed to equip BLOs with the tools and knowledge they need to work seamlessly alongside the police.


The Training Program: A Multifaceted Journey

This 2-day program, which began today at IIIDEM in New Delhi, is one of several phase-based capacity-building initiatives by India’s election management experts. The initiative is structured around three key modules:

  1. Role Understanding and responsibilities: Gain a comprehensive understanding of BLOs’ roles as election managers and law enforcement agents.
  2. IT Applications & Tools: Learn to use advanced IT tools designed for electoral management, ensuring accuracy in data collection and analysis.
  3. Coordination and Collaboration: Enhance the ability to bridge government departments with police forces to maintain public safety.

Over 3000 participants from 141 countries have already benefited from this program, including participants from Australia, the UK, USA, Brazil, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Israel, Russia, and South Africa. These participants are being trained to ensure that BLOs can navigate their roles with confidence, reducing errors in rollouts.


The Impact of the Training Program

  • Enhanced Coordination: The program is designed to improve the coordination between government agencies (e.g., Election Commission, Police) and law enforcement teams, ensuring that decisions are made together.
  • Public Safety Support: By equipping officers with tools like IT applications, the program helps reduce human error in rollouts, ensuring public safety while fostering trust among stakeholders.
  • National Unity: The initiative is part of a broader effort to build collective action by boosting the skills of election officials and law enforcement.

Challenges and Outcomes

While the training has been successful, it’s not without its challenges. One key challenge involves balancing the learning experience for participants with their personal lives. Many officers struggle to juggle work with their families, which can affect their ability to engage fully in the program. However, these challenges are being addressed through flexible scheduling and support arrangements.

Another important outcome is a significant increase in awareness among election officials of the role and responsibilities of law enforcement. This has led to greater collaboration between departments, including fostering trust between the Election Commission (EC) and Police Force.


Conclusion

The 2-day capacity building program at IIIDEM is more than just training— it’s a movement towards a better future for India. By equipping BLOs with the skills they need to work alongside law enforcement teams, this initiative helps build collective action across departments. This collaboration not only enhances election management but also strengthens public safety and unity.

For those interested in learning more about the IIIDEM training programs and their impact on other regions, we invite you to explore further resources from India’s election management experts. Together, we can continue to advance the effectiveness of elections and ensure that they are fair and transparent.


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