Rabat, 15 June 2022 (TDI): The African Union (AU) Commissioner Bankole Adeoye and Morroco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita opened the Training workshop for AU Observers.
Pleased to co-chair with H.E. Nasser Bourita, MFA of #Morocco, during the 1st cycle of the Specialized Training for AU Electoral Observers, holding from 13-17 June 2022 in Rabat. Kudos to Morocco for this partnership to enhance the AU’s capacity in support of elections in Africa pic.twitter.com/R57iObe061
— Amb. Bankole Adeoye (@Bankole_Adeoye) June 13, 2022
This specialized training is taking place in Rabat from 13th to 17th June 2022.
Africa has made remarkable progress in institutionalizing electoral democracy over the past few years. This is evident from the number of successful multi-party elections that took place in African Union member states.
At the training, Bourita emphasized that the uniqueness of the Moroccan experience at the regional level was and still is a source of inspiration. Also, he said that this is the first time the training is organized by an AU member state.
Moreover, he said that this initiative was in line with King Mohammed VI and Moroccan’s firm will to contribute effectively to strengthening the abilities of the AU.
The five-day workshop is taking place in Rabat, Morocco. It has the objective to strengthen the AU capacity of African Union Short Term Observers.
In addition, Adeoye said that the training will promote transparency, impartiality, equity and probity in electoral processes on the continent.
Aim of AUEOM:
Furthermore, the AU makes many contributions to electoral observation through the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM).
Firstly, it aims to provide accurate and impartial reporting or examination of the election. It also examines the degree to which the conduct of the elections meets regional, continental, and international standards for democratic elections
Secondly, it makes recommendations for improvement of future elections based on the findings.
And lastly, it shows the AU’s interest to promote AU member states’ elections and democratization process. It then makes sure that the conduct of genuine elections contributes to the consolidation of democratic governance, peace, and stability.
Past Elections monitored by the AU
In May 2019, AUEOM led by Jakaya Kikwete observed the National and Provisional Elections in South Africa. The AUEOM led by former president of Ghana, John Dramani monitored the Tripartite Elections held on 21 May 2019 in Malawi.
The mission consisted of seven long-term observers and twenty-two short-term observers. These included Pan African Parliament (PAP) officials, Ambassadors to the African Union, Election Management Bodies(EMBs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and Experts from African countries.
In June 2019, the AUEOM under Philemon Yang, the former prime minister of Cameroon observed elections in Mauritania. The mission consisted of thirty-five members deployed from 19 to 29 June 2019.
