Pro-Electoral Integrity: A Strategic Partnership for Electoral and Democratic Governance in Africa

The “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA), is implemented by the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) in strategic partnership with the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUC-PAPS).

At a time when electoral processes worldwide are increasingly shaped by complex political, technological, and security dynamics, the project contributes to strengthening electoral integrity as a cornerstone for conflict prevention, stability, and democratic governance across the African continent.

Anchored in a shared vision between Italy, the African Union Commission, and ECES, the initiative contributes to fostering a common culture of resilience grounded in continental ownership and peer exchange of comparative experiences, aligned with international electoral standards. It provides support to the institutional and operational capacities of African Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and their networks to deliver credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.

The project builds on a longstanding and results-driven cooperation between ECES and AUC-PAPS and capitalises on the achievements of the Innov-Elections programme, a previous initiative funded by the Italian Government which contributed to strengthening innovation, peer learning, and operational support among African electoral stakeholders. Through this continuity, Italy contributes as a key partner of the African Union in the field of electoral and democratic governance, supporting African-led processes through sustained political and financial engagement, including through peer exchange and the sharing of comparative experiences.

Designed as a comprehensive and forward-looking response to evolving electoral and democratic governance challenges, the project provides technical assistance, facilitates high-level peer exchange, and contributes to operational support for a broad range of stakeholders across the continent. It promotes a systemic approach to electoral integrity, addressing the full electoral cycle and contributing to the capacity of institutions to operate effectively in increasingly demanding environments. This includes activities related to transitional justice, civic and voter education, and the development of school curricula at primary and secondary levels to disseminate the core principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

Following the successful implementation of its first two phases, the project has entered a third phase, further contributing to a strengthened framework for electoral cooperation between Europe and Africa.

AUC-PAPS and ECES—working in close collaboration with the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) and other regional networks of Electoral Management Bodies across the continent—have facilitated a series of high-level peer learning missions in Kenya, Liberia, Comoros, Namibia, Ghana, Gabon, Burundi, Malawi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, and Benin. These missions contribute to knowledge exchange, strengthen coordination, and support the development of practical responses to shared challenges.

The next high-level peer learning mission will take place in Rome from 4 to 8 May, bringing together senior electoral officials from across Africa to engage with Italian institutions responsible for electoral processes, including on key issues such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in elections. The mission will be implemented in cooperation with the Fondazione Med-Or, the Luiss Research Center for International and Strategic Studies, and the Imagine the Change Foundation, with a particular focus on media monitoring and emerging challenges such as disinformation and deepfakes.

Through this approach, the project contributes to moving beyond purely technical assistance, supporting electoral integrity as a vector of political dialogue, institutional trust, and long-term stability.

It reflects a joint commitment by Italy, the African Union, and ECES to contribute to a more resilient electoral ecosystem in Africa—one that supports conflict prevention, enhances stability, and ultimately contributes to strengthening democratic legitimacy.