Master in Electoral Policy & Administration

02/03/2026

🗳️ MEPA 2026: Final Days to Apply
📅 Deadline: 22/03/2026

“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” - Mark Twain

In today’s fast-moving information environment, electoral integrity is increasingly a question of institutional capacity: can electoral authorities communicate clearly, administer processes consistently, manage stakeholder pressure, and respond credibly when trust is tested?

That’s exactly what the Master in Electoral Policy & Administration (MEPA) is designed to strengthen.

Through a practice-oriented curriculum, MEPA helps participants build capacity to:
• Plan and manage electoral operations across the full electoral cycle
• Strengthen procedures, coordination, and professional standards within EMBs
• Improve legal and administrative preparedness for complex electoral contexts
• Enhance transparency, accountability, and public communication in high-pressure moments
• Engage effectively with stakeholders (including partners and observers) while protecting institutional independence

MEPA is jointly administered by Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

100% online | 🌐 English, French, Arabic, Portuguese
👉 Learn more and watch our intro video: https://lnkd.in/dV3bfcZA
📝 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dF2nvEWS

🎓 Scholarships may be available, subject to specific eligibility criteria and selection requirements (details on the programme page).

07/07/2025

🌍 Excited to announce our next MEPA SSSA webinar: "Electoral Risk Forecasting: Lessons from the Edo Governorship Election" with Bukola Idowu - an expert in electoral governance, civic resilience, and digital democracy across West Africa!

🗓️ 23 July 2025 | 🕕 6 PM CET
🔗 Register here: https://unitar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ACXvPy6ySzic4MYL60i68A #/registration

Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of Africa’s leading voices on democratic innovation!

NB: This master's program is jointly administered by the Superiore Sant'Anna and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

12/06/2025

🗳️ Webinar Alert!
Democracy’s Silent Partners: Civil Society in Electoral Processes
📅 June 20, 2025
🕓 4 PM CET
🎙️ With CECOE Ethiopia
📍 Organized by Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

🎓 Program Director: Professor Lorenzo Gasbarri
📌 Program Coordinator: Marybelle Cherfan

👉 Register now: https://unitar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r9s_olq8Rs-ziViaMmHRjw

CECOE ETHIOPIA While politicians, voters, and electoral management bodies occupy the spotlight during elections, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) often operate behind the scenes, quietly but powerfully shaping the fairness, inclusiveness, and credibility of electoral processes. From educating vote...

02/05/2025

🎓 Thesis Defences – Master in Electoral Policy & Administration
📅 8 May 2025 | 🕐 Starting at 13:00 CET
📍 Online event – Email [email protected] to join

We’re pleased to announce a new round of thesis defences for the Master in Electoral Policy & Administrationm a program jointly managed by the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, UNITAR, and International IDEA.

Four candidates will present their research on timely topics in electoral participation, social media in campaigns, governance reforms, and election security.

🔹 13:00 – Mitiku Tadesse
Electoral Participation of Internally Displaced Persons in Ethiopia (2021)

🔹 13:50 – Stephen Odoi
Social Media and Electoral Campaigns in Ghana

🔹 16:00 – Mercy Onyiego
Impact of Electoral Reforms on Democratic Governance in Kenya

🔹 16:50 – Jean Pierre Salambere
Crise sécuritaire et élections inclusives au Burkina Faso (2016–2024)

Join us in supporting their work and reflecting on key electoral challenges across different regions. 🌍🗳️

10/03/2025

🎓🗳️ FINAL CALL – LAST CHANCE TO ENROLL! 🗳️🎓

Thinking about advancing your career in electoral policy and administration?

There’s still time to join the Masters in Electoral Policy and Administration (MEPA) for the Spring Semester 2025 — but don’t wait too long! ⏳✨

🔹 Application deadline: March 22, 2025 🔹

Jointly administered by Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and International IDEA, this globally recognized program provides expert knowledge and practical skills for professionals and graduates passionate about democracy, elections, and governance. 🌍📚

📺 Curious? Watch our introductory video here:https://lnkd.in/dV3bfcZA

✅ 100% online | ✅ Available in English, French, Arabic, & Portuguese | ✅ Accessible worldwide 🌐

📢 Apply now before the deadline approaches! More details here: https://lnkd.in/dF2nvEWS

Join us in shaping the future of elections! 🗳️✨

📩 Contact us via email at [email protected] or reach out to our MEPA Director, Professor Lorenzo Gasbarri, or MEPA Coordinator Marybelle Cherfan, for specific inquiries.

27/08/2024

🌟 Final Chance to Enroll! 🌟 Deadline: 21 September 2024

We’re excited to remind you that enrollment is still open for the Fall Semester of our Masters in Electoral Policy & Administration program, jointly administered by Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, UNITAR, and International IDEA. 🗳️

If you're passionate about shaping the future of democracy and understanding electoral systems, now’s your last chance to join us!

👉 Learn more and watch our intro video here: https://lnkd.in/dV3bfcZA

🌐 The program is available online in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese, making it accessible worldwide.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact on society.

Let’s shape the future together! 🌍

17/05/2024

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟

Join us for the Master in Electoral Policy & Administration (MEPA) Thesis Defence on 28th May 2024. Engage with insightful research and dynamic discussions from our brilliant graduates.

📅 Thesis Defence Agenda:

-What Factors Influence the Transition From Armed Liberation Movements to Political Parties in Timor-Leste?

- Assessing Zimbabwe: Financing Electoral Integrity by Political Parties.

- An Assessment of the Impact of Gender Violence on Women Participation in 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

- The Development of Strategic Plan and Strategic Programme of Action for an Election Management Body: a Case of Independent National Electoral Commission.

- Impact of Electoral Inclusivity Strategies Taken by the Country to the Participation of Marginalised Groups in Elections: 2020 Elections in the United Republic of Tanzania.

- The Impact of Constituency Boundaries Reviews on Fair Representation: the 2022 Constituency Boundaries Review in Malawi.

📧 Contact [email protected] for registration details. Don't miss this opportunity to witness and contribute to the future of electoral policy and administration!

04/03/2024

We are thrilled to announce that enrolment is officially OPEN for the Spring Semester of our prestigious Masters in Electoral Policy and Administration programme! 🌟

If you're passionate about shaping the future of democracy, understanding electoral systems, and making a positive impact on society, then this is the perfect opportunity for you! 🌍✨

To give you a sneak peek into what awaits you in our programme, we've prepared a special introductory video that highlights the incredible learning journey that lies ahead. 🎥✨

Watch the video here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVGjSCmOR70]

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to enhance your expertise or a fresh graduate eager to dive into the world of electoral policy, our programme offers comprehensive knowledge, expert guidance, and unparalleled opportunities for growth. 💼📚

The programme is available online in English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese, making it accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds and regions. 🌐📚

Enrolment details and more information about the programme can be found on our webpage [https://www.santannapisa.it/it/formazione/master-electoral-policy-and-administration-and-individual-modules].

Let's embark on this transformative journey together! 🌟

22/01/2024

📢 In 2024, nearly 3 billion people will have the opportunity to cast ballots in democratic elections. Yet, elections already face new threats in a constantly evolving digital information ecosystem.

On 30 January at 14:00 CET, Democracy Reporting Internationall, the Forum on Information and Democracy and International IDEA will launch a jointly developed Policy Brief, featuring recommendations to protect democratic elections through safeguarding information integrity.

Register and join the event online ➡️ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/39JF9QG