Cascading Training for Long-Term Observers (LTOs) in Gode, Ethiopia

At the beginning of March, we supported the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) to deliver a training in Gode, Somali Region. The session forms part of CECOE’s cascading model to equip master trainers who will subsequently train Long‑Term Observers (LTOs) ahead of the countrywide voter registration for Ethiopia’s 7th General Election. The cascade training model is a step‑by‑step system in which national experts train regional and local actors through successive levels. It ensures consistent, professional, and accurate application of methods nationwide while remaining flexible enough to adapt to different regional and linguistic contexts.

The Gode training gathered 21 master trainers drawn from various areas across the Somali Region and was implemented over two days. Trainers worked through the Pre‑Election Observation Manual, core reporting tools and the methodology they will cascade to LTOs. Modules covered the legal framework, observation principles and code of conduct; monitoring of the political/administrative environment; field safety and communications; and practical preparation for observing manual and tablet‑based voter registration. The programme included intensive practice with standardized checklists and critical incident reporting, simulations, and kit handover to enable uniform delivery in the next training wave.

This session contributed to CECOE’s nationwide effort to standardize observer training and materials. In total, translated manuals and color‑coded forms have been prepared in four languages to support consistent implementation and reporting across regions, feeding into a target cohort of several observers for the pre‑election phase.

By backing this cascade model, we continue to put effort and expertise in strengthening the capacity of civil society to deliver professional, impartial and methodologically sound election observation, reinforcing transparency and confidence as Ethiopia enters the voter registration period.