19th International Electoral Awards & Symposium: Crowne Plaza, Caparica Lisbon Portugal

Welcome to the 19th International Electoral Affairs Symposium & Awards Ceremony, an extraordinary four-day event held from 26th to 29th June 2023. Organized by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies in collaboration with the Portuguese National Electoral Commission, this symposium will draw together leading figures in the world of electoral affairs. Be part of the dynamic dialogue, participate in enlightening panel discussions, and join us in celebrating the significant contributions to electoral democracy at the prestigious Awards Ceremony. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to engage, share, and learn with global peers.

The symposium will take place at the Crowne Plaza, Caparica Lisbon Portugal, from 26th – 29th June 2023. The awards ceremony will recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by individuals and organizations in the field of electoral affairs.

Time & Events

Monday

• 10:00h - Arrival & Registration
• 18:00h - Welcome cocktail and entertainment

Tuesday

• 09:30h - Symposium Registration
• 10:30h - Symposium Opening
• 11:00h - 12:00h - Morning Panel: Navigating Elections in a Pandemic: Lessons Learned from COVID-19
• 12:00h - Lunch at Hotel
• 14:00h - Symposium Presentation
• 14:30h - 15:30h - Afternoon Panel: The Future of Voting: Voter Identification, Biometrics, and Electronic Voting
• 16:00h - 17:30h - Fringe events: Industry demonstrations
• 20:00h - Informal dinner in the hotel restaurant

Wednesday Morning

• 10:30h - Symposium Opening
• 10:30h - 14:00h - Fringe events: Industry demonstrations
• 11:00h - 12:00h - Morning Panel: Combating Disinformation: Strategies for Protecting Electoral Integrity
• 12:00h - Lunch at Hotel
• 13:30h - 14:00h - Symposium Closing

Wednesday Afternoon

• 14:00h - Rest and/or explore places of interest nearby before the start of the Awards Ceremony

Wednesday Evening

• 19:00h - The International Electoral Awards Ceremony will start at 19:00, ending at 22:00. There will be a dinner and entertainment accompanying the awards ceremony.

Thursday

• 10:00h - Departures and morning sightseeing. We usually reserve this day for a day tour in the morning for delegates who have late departures, and departures throughout the day.
• 10:00h - Sightseeing trip

Panel Discussions

Navigating Elections in a Pandemic: Lessons Learned from COVID-19

Time: Tuesday 27th 1100h-1200h

Overview: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for electoral management bodies (EMBs) around the globe. As countries grappled with the public health crisis, maintaining the integrity and accessibility of elections became a critical concern. This panel discussion will explore the various strategies and measures implemented by EMBs to ensure safe, inclusive, and transparent elections during the pandemic. Panelists will share their experiences, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned from navigating elections in these unprecedented times.

Learning Points:

• Balancing public health concerns and electoral integrity
• Adapting electoral processes and procedures in response to the pandemic
• The role of technology in facilitating safe and accessible voting
• Ensuring transparency and trust in electoral outcomes during a crisis
• Lessons learned and best practices for EMBs in future emergency situations

The Future of Voting: Voter Identification, Biometrics, and Electronic Voting

Time: Tuesday 27th 1430h-1530h

Overview: Technological advancements offer new possibilities for improving electoral management processes, including voter identification, biometrics, and electronic voting. This panel discussion will delve into the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of these emerging technologies for EMBs. Panelists will examine case studies, share their experiences, and discuss best practices for successfully integrating technology into the electoral process.

Learning Points:

• Advantages and challenges of implementing biometric voter identification systems for EMBs
• Ensuring security, privacy, and transparency in electronic voting systems
• The role of technology in enhancing voter accessibility and participation
• Lessons learned from countries that have adopted electronic voting systems
• Evaluating the potential risks and opportunities of emerging technologies in elections for EMBs

Combating Disinformation: Strategies for Protecting Electoral Integrity

Time: Wednesday 28th 1100h-1200h

Overview: The spread of disinformation poses a significant threat to the integrity of elections and democratic processes. In the age of social media and digital communication, the rapid dissemination of false information can have far-reaching consequences. This panel discussion will focus on strategies and best practices for EMBs to identify, address, and counter disinformation during electoral campaigns. Panelists will share their experiences, discuss the role of various stakeholders, and explore potential solutions for safeguarding the democratic process.

Learning Points:

• Understanding the sources, methods, and impacts of disinformation in elections
• The role of EMBs in combating disinformation
• Strategies for EMBs to collaborate with stakeholders in fighting disinformation
• Best practices for monitoring, identifying, and addressing disinformation
• Developing effective communication strategies for EMBs to counter disinformation

Awards

We cordially invite you to submit nominations for the awards. The ceremony will consist of 10 awards, which are listed below:

• International Institutional Engagement Award
• Electoral Conflict Management Award
• Accessibility for All Award
• Election Management Award
• Citizens' Engagement Award
• First Time Voter Award
• Electoral Ergonomy Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Electoral Commissioner of the Year
• Electoral Commission of the Year

Event has passed.