At the beginning of June, the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA), in close collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), deployed a peer learning and exchange mission to Burundi for the legislative elections. This mission brings toghether a group of Presidents, Commissioner and senior staff from the Electoral Commission of Chad, Gabon, Sao Tome & Princip, Central African Repubblic, Repubblic Congo and Democratic Repubblic of Congo. This initiative provided a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, compare electoral systems, and learn from one another’s practices.
The delegation is engaging directly with the National Independent Electoral Commission of Burundi (CENI) to learn about the electoral process and share their own experiences. This mission aims to foster learning and the sharing among members of various electoral commissions within the framework of the Pro-Electoral Integrity project. This project is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented in collaboration with the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUC-PAPS). The broader objective is to contribute to peace and security on the continent by strengthening the capacity of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to conduct credible, inclusive, and transparent elections—thereby helping prevent electoral conflicts and reinforcing public trust in democratic processes.
This initiative builds on the AAEA’s longstanding role as a forum for African EMBs to exchange expertise and uphold democratic standards. The mission not only strengthens bilateral learning between institutions but also highlights the importance of regional networks and continental cooperation.