The CEC and the Training Centre have launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for the October 3, 2026 by-elections to municipal representative bodies (Sakrebulos). The study project represents one of the key areas of preparatory work aimed at ensuring the readiness of the election administration for the elections - the trainers will deliver intensive training sessions for members of precinct election commissions (PEC).

In accordance with the training concept developed by the Training Centre, the programme will be conducted from 24 to 26 August 2026 in two specialised areas:

• Program for PECs’ members, who conduct the polling process using electronic election machines;
• Program for PECs’ members, who conduct the polling process without using electronic election machines.

Participants of the programme will receive detailed information about the activities to be carried out by PECs during the period up to the election day and throughout the voting process, as well as about the standards whose consistent application is essential to the provision of services to voters. Particular attention during the training will be given to issues such as: ensuring equal and accessible electoral services for every voter; guaranteeing the free expression of voters' will; protecting the secrecy of the vote and voters' personal data at polling stations; creating and supporting an inclusive electoral environment; and ensuring conditions for the uninterrupted observation of the process. Within this framework, participants will also discuss the guiding principles of the PECs’ work (legality, political neutrality and professionalism) as well as ethical standards and the responsibilities to be fulfilled within the scope of a PECs’ mandate.

The retrained trainers will subsequently conduct training sessions for members of precinct election commissions through the following system:

• Five-stage training system - will be assigned to the PECs, which will conduct the polling process using electronic election machines (target audience: members of four PECs under the jurisdiction of two district election commissions);
• Four-stage training system — will be assigned to the PECs, which will conduct the polling process without using electronic election machines (target audience: members of three PECs under the jurisdiction of three district election commissions).

Under the training programme elaborated by the Training Centre, trainers will deliver the training sessions for PECs using a combined learning methodology. Simulations and role-playing exercises are envisaged to facilitate the study of the operation of electronic election machines, procedural aspects of voting and the conduct of the vote-counting process. Training on the procedures for completing summary protocols of voting results will place particular emphasis on intensive practical exercises.

The trainers will conduct training sessions for the PECs’ members from 2 to 27 September 2026. Detailed training schedules will be published on the websites of the CEC and the Training Centre before the commencement of the training sessions.