Ghana, 2025
The Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) participated in the 9th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), held on 12–13 March 2025 in Accra, Ghana. The Forum was organised by the African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) in collaboration with the AAEA and with the support of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) through the Pro-Electoral Integrity Project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Convened under the theme “All Votes Count: Addressing the Problem of Invalid or Rejected Ballots in Africa,” the Forum provided a continental platform for reflection and peer learning on one of the most persistent challenges affecting electoral processes across Africa. Discussions focused on the increasing incidence of invalid and rejected ballots in elections throughout the continent, a phenomenon that remains above the global average and has significant implications for electoral inclusion, representation, and democratic legitimacy. Participants examined the underlying causes of invalid ballots, shared comparative experiences, and explored practical measures to enhance voter education, electoral administration, ballot design, and public confidence in electoral processes.
As one of the flagship policy platforms of the African Union Commission, the Annual Continental Forum of EMBs promotes good governance and participatory democracy through peer learning, experience sharing, and the dissemination of good practices in election management across Africa. The Forum also contributes to the implementation of the African Union’s electoral assistance mandate under Article 18 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).
The 9th Annual EMB Forum brought together representatives of Election Management Bodies from 42 of the 55 African Union Member States, namely Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Zanzibar. The strong participation demonstrated the continued commitment of African electoral authorities to strengthening cooperation, exchanging experiences, and advancing electoral integrity across the continent.
Following the Forum, the AAEA organized its Annual General Assembly on 15 March 2025 in Accra, Ghana. The Assembly brought together representatives of member EMBs to discuss institutional priorities and reinforce cooperation among African electoral authorities in support of democratic governance, electoral integrity, and credible electoral processes.
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination, peer-to-peer cooperation, and knowledge-sharing among EMBs in order to enhance institutional resilience and address common electoral challenges. Participants exchanged views on issues affecting election administration across the continent, including political instability, security concerns, technological developments, operational constraints, and emerging threats to electoral integrity. The Assembly also underscored the importance of regional solidarity and collective action in supporting professional, independent, and effective electoral institutions.
The General Assembly provided an opportunity for members to review ongoing initiatives, strengthen institutional collaboration, and reaffirm the role of the AAEA as a continental platform for dialogue, mutual support, and the exchange of good practices among African Election Management Bodies.
The 9th Annual Continental Forum of EMBs and the AAEA General Assembly further reinforced the commitment of African electoral authorities to promoting transparent, inclusive, and credible elections while strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity across the continent.
Benin, 2023
The Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) participated in the 8th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), held on 1–2 November 2023 in Cotonou, Benin, and hosted by the Commission Électorale Nationale Autonome (CENA) of Benin in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) ), with the support of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) through the Pro-Electoral Integrity Project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Forum brought together representatives of Election Management Bodies from across Africa, alongside members of the AAEA, the African Union Commission Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Regional Economic Community (REC) networks of EMBs, international organisations, civil society organisations, academia, and other democratic governance stakeholders.
As one of the African Union’s flagship electoral governance platforms, the Annual Continental Forum of EMBs promotes good governance and participatory democracy through peer learning, experience sharing, and the exchange of good practices in election management across the continent. The Forum provides a unique opportunity for African electoral authorities to reflect collectively on emerging electoral challenges and identify practical solutions to strengthen electoral integrity and public confidence in democratic processes.
The 2023 Forum adopted a participatory approach and was structured around eight interactive sessions combining expert presentations, panel discussions, and plenary exchanges. Discussions focused on the theme of strategic communication in electoral processes, examining the experiences and challenges faced by EMBs in their communication with electoral stakeholders and citizens. Participants explored lessons learned and good practices in strategic communication, reflected on the opportunities and risks associated with stakeholder engagement, and discussed innovative and cost-effective communication strategies capable of responding to evolving technological and societal realities.
The Forum also provided an opportunity for participants to share comparative experiences from across Africa, highlighting national, regional, and continental approaches to electoral communication and public outreach. These exchanges contributed to strengthening professional networks among EMBs and fostering a common understanding of the role of effective communication in enhancing transparency, inclusiveness, and trust in electoral processes.
The 8th Annual EMB Forum brought together representatives from 35 African countries, namely Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zanzibar, reaffirming the commitment of African electoral authorities to strengthening cooperation and knowledge-sharing across the continent.
Following the Forum, AAEA organized its Annual General Assembly, held on 3 November 2023 in Cotonou, Benin. The Assembly brought together representatives of member EMBs to discuss key institutional priorities, strengthen cooperation among African electoral authorities, and advance collective efforts to promote credible, transparent, and peaceful elections across the continent.
A major outcome of the General Assembly was the approval and signature of the “Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa.” The document was adopted as an important continental reference framework designed to guide Election Management Bodies in managing the opportunities and challenges associated with the growing influence of digital and social media during electoral processes. The principles aim to support EMBs in promoting transparency, countering misinformation and disinformation, fostering responsible online engagement, and strengthening public trust in elections.
The General Assembly also provided an important platform for members to exchange experiences, discuss emerging electoral trends, and reinforce collaboration among African electoral authorities. Participants emphasized the importance of continued peer-to-peer learning, institutional cooperation, and collective action in addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by digital transformation, evolving communication environments, and changing electoral landscapes.
The 8th Annual Continental Forum of EMBs and the AAEA General Assembly further strengthened the Association’s role as a continental platform for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing among African Election Management Bodies, while reaffirming the commitment of its members to advancing democratic governance, electoral integrity, and inclusive participation throughout Africa.
Mozambique, 2022
The Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) participated in the 7th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), held on 14–15 November 2022 in Maputo, Mozambique, and hosted by the National Electoral Commission (CNE) of Mozambique. The Forum was organised by the African Union Commission (AUC), with the support of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) through the Pro-Electoral Integrity Project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.The Forum brought together more than 120 participants, including Chairpersons and senior officials of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from African Union Member States, representatives of the AUC Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, members of the AAEA, Regional Economic Community (REC) networks of EMBs, international organisations, civil society organisations, academia, and other democratic governance stakeholders.
Convened under the theme “Building Resilience of Election Management Bodies to Safeguard Democracy in Africa,” the Forum provided an important continental platform for dialogue and peer learning on the challenges confronting electoral authorities across Africa. Discussions reflected on the increasing complexity of the political, sociocultural, technological, economic, legal, security, and ecological environments in which EMBs operate, and explored practical strategies to strengthen institutional resilience and safeguard electoral integrity.
The Forum was officially opened by Ms Ana Comoana, Minister of State Administration and Public Service of Mozambique, following welcoming remarks by Rev. Carlos Matsinhe, Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission of Mozambique, and statements by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, alongside representatives of partner organisations supporting electoral governance initiatives on the continent.
The discussions focused on seven key thematic areas: strengthening the resilience of EMBs in Africa; addressing the challenges posed by leadership turnover within electoral institutions; promoting gender equality and women’s leadership in EMBs; ensuring sustainable financing of electoral management bodies; developing risk-mitigation strategies to address the impact of climate and environmental challenges on elections; enhancing electoral security and cybersecurity; and examining emerging electoral challenges and opportunities in preparation for elections scheduled across the continent in 2023.
The Forum brought together representatives from 42 African countries, reaffirming the commitment of African electoral authorities to strengthening cooperation, sharing experiences, and promoting professional and independent election management throughout the continent.
Following the Forum, AAEA organized its Annual General Assembly, on 16 November 2022 in Maputo, Mozambique. The General Assembly provided an opportunity for members to review the activities of the Association, discuss institutional priorities, and strengthen cooperation among African EMBs in support of democratic governance and credible electoral processes.
A key outcome of the General Assembly was the renewal of the Association’s leadership structures. Members elected the National Electoral Commission of Mozambique as President of the AAEA and Libya as Vice-President. Regional representation within the Association was entrusted to Benin (West Africa), Tunisia (North Africa), Malawi (Southern Africa), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Central Africa), and Kenya (East Africa), ensuring balanced continental representation within the Association’s governing structures.
The deliberations underscored the importance of solidarity, peer-to-peer cooperation, and knowledge exchange among EMBs to address common challenges, including political instability, security concerns, technological transformation, and operational constraints affecting election administration. Participants reaffirmed the role of the AAEA as a key continental platform for promoting electoral integrity, institutional resilience, and democratic governance across Africa.
The 7th Annual Continental Forum of EMBs and the AAEA General Assembly further strengthened collaboration among African electoral authorities and reinforced the Association’s commitment to supporting its members in advancing transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral processes throughout the continent.