From Bologna to Moldova: strengthening electoral institutions through strategic planning with URSO

Three days of intensive work in Bologna, together with representatives of the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova, the Centre for Continuous Electoral Training, and experts engaged in strategic planning and evaluation processes. The central theme: the role of strategic planning in election administrations-not as a formal exercise, but as a concrete tool for strengthening institutional capacity, improving the quality of implementation and aligning with European election standards. Through the URSO toolkit, the workshop delved into:

• The URSO methodological framework and its use in the 2026 cycle
• The revision of indicators and evaluation variables
• The use of tools such as GID, ECA, SWOT, interview guides and monitoring templates
• The preparation of data collection and stakeholder consultation
• The definition of the operational roadmap, roles, and coordination mechanisms

The work done in Bologna is an important preparatory step for two related processes: evaluating the implementation of current strategic programs and supporting the development of new programs for the 2027-2032 cycle. For an institution like a central election commission, strategic planning is a concrete lever for linking institutional mandate, evidence, operational accountability and public trust. It is also the space where international cooperation produces real value-when it supports local ownership, technical capacity, and data-driven decisions. Special thanks to the Council of Europe for the framework of cooperation and support for a pathway geared toward operational results, institutional learning and strengthening European election standards.