AAEA General Assembly – Maputo, Mozambique, 16 November 2022
The European Centre for Electoral Support supported the General Assembly of the Association of African Electoral Authorities, held on 16 November 2022 in Maputo, Mozambique, and hosted by the Electoral National Commission (CNE) of Mozambique. The General Assembly followed the 7th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and brought together representatives of electoral authorities from across the African continent to discuss institutional cooperation and the strengthening of electoral governance mechanisms in Africa.
The General Assembly served as an important platform for the renewal of the governing structures of the AAEA and for reinforcing collaboration among African Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). During the meeting, members elected a new leadership for the Association, with the CNE of Mozambique assuming the Presidency of the General Assembly and Libya elected as Vice-President. Regional representation within the Association was entrusted to Benin for West Africa, Tunisia for North Africa, Malawi for Southern Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Central Africa, and Kenya for East Africa.
The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination and peer-to-peer cooperation among EMBs in order to enhance institutional resilience, electoral integrity, and democratic governance across the continent. Discussions also emphasized the value of regional solidarity and experience-sharing in addressing common electoral challenges, including political instability, security risks, technological developments, and operational constraints affecting election administration in Africa.
ECES provided technical and operational support to the General Assembly, including logistics, visibility, accommodation, translation, interpretation, and meeting coordination. The support formed part of ECES’ continued collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AAEA, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at reinforcing the capacities and institutional sustainability of African electoral authorities and promoting a common culture of democratic governance and electoral integrity across the continent.
AAEA General Assembly – Cotonou, Benin, 3 November 2023
The General Assembly of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) was held on 3 November 2023 in Cotonou, Benin, and hosted by the Commission Électorale Nationale Autonome (CENA) of Benin. The event brought together representatives of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the African continent to discuss key priorities related to electoral governance and integrity.
The AAEA General Assembly received support from the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) within the framework of initiatives supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, notably through the Innov-Elections Phase III project and the first phase of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project.
During the General Assembly, participants approved and signed the “Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa.” The document was adopted as an important reference framework aimed at guiding EMBs in the management and use of digital and social media during electoral periods. The principles were designed to support electoral institutions in addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by the increasing influence of digital communication in electoral processes.
The General Assembly also provided an opportunity for EMB representatives to exchange experiences and reinforce cooperation among African electoral authorities in promoting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections across the continent.