From 14 to 17 November 2023, European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) participated in and co-organised the 2023 Implementation and Convening Committee Meetings for endorsers of the Declaration of Principles (DoP), hosted for the first time by the African Union following the handover from the European Union. The event brought together more than 50 international organisations and stakeholders involved in electoral observation and democratic governance.

As a signatory of the Declaration of Principles, ECES co-organised the meeting together with the African Union under the framework of the Pro-Electoral Integrity Project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. ECES Vice-President Filiberto Ceriani participated in the discussions focused on election observation and electoral integrity.

On 14 November 2023, the opening day featured welcoming remarks by H.E. Ambassador Ayele Lire and keynote interventions from Cristina Castagnoli of the European Parliament. Discussions focused on the evolving landscape of credible international election observation and set the stage for collaborative exchanges among participating organisations.

On 15 November 2023, participants engaged in thematic sessions addressing communication practices in election observation, youth participation in electoral processes, and the challenges posed by disinformation, violence, and rapidly evolving electoral environments. Discussions explored strategies to enhance transparency, strengthen youth engagement, and adapt observation methodologies to contemporary electoral challenges.

On 16 November 2023, high-level dialogues brought together experienced Heads of Mission to discuss the future of election observation missions in increasingly complex political and security contexts. Panels focused on operational challenges in “no-go zones,” improving security measures for both international and citizen observers, and assessing how changing conflict dynamics may affect observer recruitment and deployment conditions.

Throughout the meeting, participating organisations, including the European Parliament, the AU Advisory Panel on Democratic Governance, and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), exchanged experiences and perspectives aimed at advancing credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes worldwide.