MEDIA ADVISORY

2023 Implementation and Convening Committee Meetings of the endorsers of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation

INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission (AUC) will host the 2023 Implementation and Convening Committee Meetings of the endorsers of the Declaration of Principles (DoP) for International Elections Observation and the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers.

When: Open session is on Wednesday 15 November 2023, from 14.00 – 15.00 hrs.

Where: AUC HQ, New Conference Center, Nelson Mandela Hall.

Why: Each year several elections are held in Africa and globally with an increasing call by Member States to deploy international elections observers to complement the efforts of the citizens’ observer groups. Also, and increasingly, international elections observers have come under criticisms for not doing enough to ensure the transparency of electoral processes or not being neutral enough. These two perspectives call for the need for members of the DoP to meet frequently to fine-tune their observation methodology to address the concerns raised against them. It is also important for the DoP community to come up with innovations that will help promote transparency and credibility of electoral process in a manner that contribute to the implementation of the DoP and its code of conduct. Consequently, annual meetings are held to deliberate on issues relating to the implementation of the DoP.

Objectives:

1. Members of the observation community to discuss critical challenges facing observation and how best to advance the field.
2. To further improve and harmonize the methodology for international election observation.

Since the Declaration of Principles was adopted in 2005 at the United Nations, it has raised the profile of election observation and highlighted the importance of genuine elections as the foundation of democratic governance.

Expected Outcomes: A DoP community that is more focused on implementation of its commitments towards improvement in transparent and credible elections, their image and collaborative relationship with all electoral stakeholders and citizens.

Background: The DoP for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers establish the basis for credible international election observation. It was developed through consultation among more than 20 intergovernmental and international nongovernmental organizations involved in the conduct of elections and the promotion of credible and peaceful electoral processes. It was commemorated at the UN on 27 October 2005 and is now endorsed by more than 50 intergovernmental and international organizations (including the African Union), which are engaged in the process of improving international election observation.

For media inquiries:

1. Ms. Limi Mohammed, Communication Focal Point for Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate and Web Administrator,  in the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission
   Email: shashlm@africa-union.org

2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar, Senior Communication Officer, Information and Communications Directorate, African Union Commission
   Email: gamalk@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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