The Secretariat, currently headquartered in Accra, Ghana, serves as the permanent administrative organ of AAEA. As the operational hub of the Association, it is responsible for the day-to-day administration and implementation of the decisions adopted by the General Assembly and the Executive Committee.
In line with the objectives of the AAEA to promote free, fair, transparent, and professionally managed elections across Africa, the Secretariat coordinates and facilitates the Association’s activities, programmes, and strategic initiatives. It plays a central role in strengthening cooperation among member Election Management Bodies, promoting the principles of independence and impartiality in electoral administration, and supporting the development of professional and credible electoral processes throughout the continent.
The Secretariat is responsible for organizing and preparing meetings of the General Assembly and the Executive Committee, preparing reports on the Association’s activities, maintaining the AAEA website, and serving as the custodian of the Association’s official documents. It also develops studies, surveys, recommendations, and guidance on electoral, legal, and political matters of common concern to member institutions.
Furthermore, the Secretariat facilitates cooperation with regional and international electoral organizations, development partners, and the African Union Commission, in accordance with the Association’s Charter. It also mobilizes resources and engages in fundraising activities to support the implementation of the Association’s mandate and programmes.
To respond to the evolving needs of its members, the Secretariat organizes conferences, seminars, forums, capacity-building initiatives, outreach activities, and professional exchanges aimed at promoting democratic culture, electoral integrity, and peer learning among African electoral authorities.
The Secretariat is led by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Jean Mensa, who serves as Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Association.