On 11 June, the European Union-funded Pro-Election Bolivia project supported two strategic training workshops held in La Paz. These events aimed to enhance the understanding and engagement of key societal actors in the electoral process, with a focus on the media and the LGBTIQ+ community.
Workshop with Journalists on Electoral Conflictivity and the Media’s Role
Organised by Fundación Construir in collaboration with the National Association of Journalists, the first workshop gathered 50 journalists, communicators, and social media influencers from La Paz and El Alto. The event provided a platform for dialogue on the media’s critical role in the electoral cycle and the prevention of electoral conflict.
ECES team members Carolina Floru, Rafael Loayza, and Javier Gutiérrez delivered targeted sessions. Floru and Loayza presented on the dynamics of the electoral cycle, political polarisation, and conflict triggers, while Gutiérrez addressed the ethical responsibilities of the media and strategies to counter disinformation. The workshop underscored the importance of responsible journalism in promoting informed participation and mitigating electoral tensions.
Capacity Building for LGBTIQ+ Electoral Inclusion
In parallel, ECES also contributed to a second training session organised by the LGBTIQ+ network HIVOS, focusing on inclusive participation in electoral processes. The workshop brought together 30 representatives from LGBTIQ+ organisations across all Bolivian departments.
ECES representatives Carolina Floru and Rafael Loayza led the training, which explored the electoral cycle from an inclusion perspective, highlighting the rights of LGBTIQ+ voters and candidates and addressing potential sources of electoral conflict that impact this community. The session reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding democratic participation for all citizens, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Both workshops form part of ECES' broader commitment under Pro-Election Bolivia to strengthen electoral integrity, inclusiveness, and peaceful participation in advance of the 2025 general elections. Through sustained engagement with civil society and media actors, the project contributes to a democratic process that reflects the voices and rights of all Bolivians.
