From 6 to 8 July 2026, we supported and participated in the 10th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and the 13th General Assembly of the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, together with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AAEA, within the framework of the PRO-Electoral Integrity Project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). The events brought together the overwhelming majority of African EMBs, regional electoral networks, the African Union Commission, international organisations and electoral experts to promote peer learning, institutional cooperation and the exchange of experiences on electoral governance.
Held on 6–7 July, the 10th Annual Continental Forum focused on “African Citizens Abroad (Diaspora) Voting: Progress, Gaps and Prospects.” Participants examined the legal, institutional, operational and political dimensions of out-of-country voting, with particular attention to ensuring the meaningful participation of citizens residing abroad while safeguarding electoral integrity, transparency and inclusiveness. Four thematic sessions addressed normative frameworks, implementation experiences, operational and logistical challenges, and future policy options for EMBs.
The Forum opened with remarks by Stefano De Leo, Central Director for Sub-Saharan African Countries at MAECI; Jean Mensa, President of the AAEA and Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana; Fabio Bargiacchi, our Founder and Executive Director; Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention at the AUC Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS); H.E. Ambassador Ali Drouiche, Head of the African Union Permanent Delegation in Cairo; and Counsellor Hazem Badawi, Chairperson of Egypt’s National Elections Authority.
Our Senior Electoral Management Expert Granville Abrahams contributed to the technical programme with a presentation on international good practices, implementation risks and practical approaches to out-of-country voting. Contributions were also provided by the AUC Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO), International IDEA and UNDP, alongside comparative experiences from the EMBs of Cabo Verde, Tunisia, South Africa, Egypt, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal. The Forum culminated in the adoption of a Communiqué and practical recommendations aimed at supporting African EMBs in strengthening diaspora voting arrangements.
During the Forum, we also officially launched the 2026 edition of our flagship publication, Implementing a European Response to Electoral Cycle Support since 2010 – The Strategic Vision, Operational Architecture and Methodological Framework of ECES, reflecting sixteen years of implementation in more than 70 countries, including over 50 African countries, and presenting our latest methodological developments in electoral leadership, conflict prevention, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and electoral resilience.
13TH AAEA General Assembly
On 8 July, the 13th AAEA General Assembly brought together AAEA members to review the Association’s activities and finances, strengthen institutional cooperation and discuss priorities for electoral governance across Africa. Members adopted the minutes of the 12th General Assembly, received the AAEA President’s annual report, approved the Financial Statement and heard regional reports from Central, East, West, Southern and North Africa, as well as a presentation by the African Union Commission on its technical assistance to EMBs.
During the General Assembly, Fabio Bargiacchi and Granville Abrahams delivered a presentation on “The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity in Election Management,” examining the implications of emerging technologies for electoral administration and the importance of strengthening institutional resilience, safeguarding electoral integrity and preparing EMBs for evolving digital challenges. Judge Paulo Tarso Tamburini, President of the Regional Electoral Tribunal of Minas Gerais and Special Adviser to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court, also presented Brazil’s experience with electronic voting, highlighting three decades of technological innovation, electoral integrity and public trust.
The Forum and General Assembly reinforced continental cooperation and peer learning among African Election Management Bodies and contributed to the implementation of the principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). They marked the fourth consecutive occasion on which we accompanied the Continental Forum and AAEA General Assembly, with the continued support of MAECI through the PRO-Electoral Integrity Project.