ECES support to the implementation of the Indian Ocean Electoral Network

We are pleased to have actively contributed to the establishment of the Indian Ocean Electoral Network (IOEN). It was on October 14, 2022 that the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of the Member States of the Indian Ocean Commission signed the Mahe Declaration for the CREATION OF THE INDIAN OCEAN ELECTORAL NETWORK.

The signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Electoral Commission of Seychelles at the end of a two-day workshop for the establishment of the said network organized by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) within the framework of its Governance, Peace and Stability in Indian Ocean project and for which ECES in partnership with CFI (the French Development Media Agency) provides technical assistance.

This declaration of creation of the IOEN defines:

• On the one hand, the involvement of the Election Management Bodies of IOC Member States in this Indian Ocean electoral network;
• And on the other hand, the objectives of the network including the promotion of the independence of EMBs, electoral integrity and justice, transparency and inclusiveness of electoral processes, as well as the participation of women, youth, minorities and people with disabilities. 

The IOEN aims to facilitate the exchange of information and experience among its members as well as the international outreach of specific electoral issues in Indian Ocean.