During the 8th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), held on 1–2 November in Cotonou, the Association of African Electoral Authorities highlighted the continued importance of strengthening collaboration between EMBs and their stakeholders across the continent. A total of 34 EMBs participated in the forum, reflecting broad continental engagement. Both the assembly and the forum were supported by the African Union and the European Centre for Electoral Support within the framework of the “Pro-Electoral Integrity” project, financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Italian–African Peace Facility (IAPF) instrument.
In this context, the AAEA underscored the importance of sustained support to EMBs in the organisation and management of elections, as well as the need for stronger coordination among institutional and non-institutional stakeholders.
The AAEA further emphasised the relevance of the forum’s focus on strategic communication, noting that effective communication between EMBs and stakeholders remains essential to strengthening public trust and fostering peaceful electoral environments. This priority aligns closely with ongoing continental efforts to enhance, inclusivity and accountability in electoral processes.
The Association also recalled its strengthened partnership with the African Union Commission, notably through the memorandum of understanding signed in May 2020 with Commissioner Bankole Adeoye. This agreement has reinforced a shared commitment to electoral integrity, conflict prevention, human rights, and the political empowerment of women across Africa.
Within this framework, the AAEA highlighted the implementation of the “Pro-Electoral Integrity in Africa” project, which has contributed to strengthening cooperation among EMBs and enhancing capacities in key areas of electoral management.
The Association also reaffirmed the importance of its internal network as a platform for peer learning and exchange among its 48 member EMBs. Through this collaboration, progress has been made in developing practical tools such as guidelines on communication and social media, as well as in facilitating solidarity missions, including support to the National Electoral Commission of Liberia during the 12 October elections and to Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the 9 August 2022 elections.
In conclusion, the AAEA stressed that the theme of the forum resonates strongly with its vision of resilient electoral institutions. The Association reiterated that effective communication and engagement with stakeholders are critical to building public confidence in electoral processes. It reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with the African Union and all African EMBs to strengthen electoral governance across the continent, including through innovative tools such as the Global Election Management System (GEMS), developed in partnership with Democracy Essentials, to support informed decision-making in election management.