10th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and AAEA General Assembly in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Members of the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) will participate in the upcoming 10th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), to be held from 6 to 7 July 2026 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, followed by the AAEA General Assembly on 8 July 2026. The Forum is being organised by the African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS) in collaboration with the AAEA and with the support of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES). It will bring together representatives of Election Management Bodies from across the African continent, alongside regional and international partners, electoral experts, civil society organisations, academia, and other democratic governance stakeholders.
The 10th edition of the Forum will be convened under the theme “Diaspora Voting: Progress, Gaps and Prospects”, providing a continental platform for reflection and peer learning on the opportunities and challenges associated with extending electoral participation to citizens living abroad. The discussions will examine existing legal and policy frameworks, assess the extent of implementation of diaspora voting across African Union Member States, and explore practical solutions to operational, logistical, financial, security, and political challenges faced by EMBs.
As one of the African Union’s flagship electoral governance platforms, the Annual Continental Forum of EMBs promotes the exchange of experiences, sharing of good practices, and strengthening of cooperation among electoral authorities across Africa. The Forum contributes to advancing inclusive democratic governance and credible electoral processes in line with the principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).
The AAEA General Assembly, taking place on 8 July 2026, will provide an opportunity for member EMBs to discuss key institutional matters, review the Association’s activities, and strengthen collaboration among African electoral authorities in support of democratic development across the continent.