The Secretariat is the permanent administrative organ and operational hub of the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA). Currently headquartered in Accra, Ghana, it is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Association and for implementing the decisions and directives of the General Assembly and the Executive Committee in accordance with the AAEA Charter.
Led by the Secretary General, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer and principal representative of the Association, the Secretariat coordinates the activities, programmes, and strategic initiatives of the AAEA in pursuit of its mission to promote democratic, credible, and peaceful elections across Africa. It plays a central role in strengthening cooperation among member Election Management Bodies (EMBs), supporting the professionalization of electoral administration, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and technology, and advancing best practices in election management throughout the continent.
The Secretariat is responsible for organizing and preparing meetings of the General Assembly and the Executive Committee, preparing reports on the Association’s activities, developing recommendations and policy guidance on electoral, legal, and political matters of common interest to members, and serving as the custodian of the Association’s records and official documents. It also prepares programme budgets, supports financial reporting and accountability processes, and contributes to the implementation of decisions adopted by the Association’s governing organs.
In furtherance of the Association’s mandate, the Secretariat facilitates cooperation and consultation among member EMBs, promotes peer learning and capacity development, and coordinates conferences, seminars, forums, professional exchanges, and other initiatives aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and democratic governance. It also establishes and maintains partnerships with regional and international electoral organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration and resource mobilization in support of the Association’s objectives.
Through these functions, the Secretariat serves as the institutional backbone of the AAEA, ensuring continuity, coordination, and effective implementation of the Association’s work while supporting its vision of a democratic Africa founded on credible electoral processes and strong, independent election management institutions.