Africa Electoral Justice Network

A pan-African platform for electoral disputes adjudicators and election rule of law experts. A knowledge hub for African states in matters of electoral justice.

[Africa Electoral Justice Network @AEJNet]

AEJN Launch of Toolkit for Judicial Oversight of Artificial Intelligence in African Elections: 8 December 2025, 14-00hrs – 16.30hrs CAT
https://t.co/BKgzE2O5IJ

https://t.co/eTcK3D7QcA

[ICJ Kenya @ICJKenya]

ICJ Kenya congratulates @hakimorara on his appointment as Executive Director of @AmnestyKenya, effective 2 June 2026.

We wish him success as he takes on this new role and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing human rights, justice, and the rule of law.

We also thank @irunguhoughton for his leadership and contribution to the human rights movement during his tenure at @AmnestyKenya.

[Africa Judges & Jurists Forum @AfricanJurists]

History has been made in Zimbabwe.

The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) warmly congratulates Lady Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza on her historic appointment as the first female Chief Justice of Zimbabwe — a major milestone for judicial leadership, gender inclusion, and constitutionalism in Africa. (Herald Online)

Her appointment reflects the growing transition of women into positions of influence within Africa’s justice sector and sends a powerful message to young women across the continent that leadership at the highest level of the judiciary is attainable.

Zimbabwe now joins a growing number of African countries advancing women’s leadership in apex courts, strengthening public confidence in justice institutions and enriching the administration of justice through diverse perspectives.
Read More :https://t.co/zp6OXIAH4Q

#AJJF #ChiefJusticeGwaunza #Zimbabwe #WomenInJudiciary #JudicialLeadership #RuleOfLaw #Constitutionalism #GenderEquality #AfricanJudiciary #WomenLeadership #JusticeInAfrica

[Africa Electoral Justice Network @AEJNet]

Indeed we held a memorable Annual Conference of the AEJN in collaboration with Retired Chief Justice Malaba and the @JSCZim At #VictoriaFalls in 2024.

It was historic that the Constitutive Statute of the Electoral Justice Network was adopted at that Conference

[Nick Mangwana @nickmangwana]

Excerpts from CJ Malaba's biography as read by Deputy Chief Justice, Honourable Elizabeth Gwaunza:

-During the time that he was Judge of Appeal and a Deputy Chief Justice, he was also a Judge of the COMESA Court of Justice for more than a decade (2005-2016).
-Mr Justice Malaba is an accomplished human rights defender who has taken advantage of his judicial posting by delivering judgments that protect the fundamental human rights of the vulnerable including women, children and persons with disabilities amongst others.
-Since his appointment as the Chief Justice, he has led the judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission in taking deliberate steps meant to enhance access to justice for the people of Zimbabwe through the construction of courthouses in various parts of the country, simplifying court rules so that they are easily understood by ordinary persons and increasing the number of judicial officers both in the magistracy and superior courts.
-Under his stewardship, the courts in Zimbabwe are moving towards digitisation through the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (I.E.C.M.S). The first phase of the I.E.C.M.S. was launched on 1 May 2022, at the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court and the Commercial Division of the High Court.
-This July 2025, under his leadership, the Judicial Service Commission launched the I.E.C.M.S. in the magistrates courts. This phase marks the final stage of the digitisation of Zimbabwe's courts.
-Mr Justice Malaba has participated in various training programmes both in the country and the region. He contributed significantly to collaboration in the continental judicial space through Zimbabwe's hosting of the 7th Congress of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa (CJCA) and the African Electoral Justice Network (AEJN).
-He is the current President of the CJCA, serving from 2024 to 2026.
-Justice Malaba has also established the Judicial Training Institute of Zimbabwe (JTIZ) whose sole mandate is to develop human capital through training of judicial and non-judicial staff of the Judicial Service Commission.

[Tsunga Bamu Law International @tsungabamulaw]

TBLI Congratulates Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza on Her Historic Appointment as Chief Justice of Zimbabwe

Elizabeth Gwaunza’s appointment as the first female Chief Justice of Zimbabwe marks a historic and defining moment for the country’s judiciary, constitutional democracy, and the advancement of women into leadership positions within the justice sector.

As Tsunga Bamu Law International (TBLI), we warmly congratulate Chief Justice Gwaunza on this landmark achievement and commend the significance of this development for Zimbabwe, the Southern African region, and the African continent as a whole.

Her ascendancy to the highest judicial office represents an important affirmation of the growing recognition of women’s leadership, competence, and contribution to the administration of justice. It also reflects the continuing evolution of African judiciaries toward greater inclusivity, diversity, and representative leadership within institutions entrusted with safeguarding constitutionalism, the rule of law, and access to justice.
Zimbabwe now joins countries such as South Africa, Malawi, Ghana, Ethiopia, Seychelles and Kenya that have entrusted the leadership of their apex courts to women, signalling a broader continental shift toward strengthening gender representation within the judiciary and public institutions.

At a time when African democracies continue to confront complex governance, constitutional, and rule of law challenges, the appointment of women to senior judicial leadership positions strengthens public confidence in justice institutions and enriches the diversity of judicial perspectives brought to the interpretation and development of the law.

TBLI expresses its sincere hope that Chief Justice Gwaunza’s tenure will be guided by wisdom, courage, integrity, independence, and fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. We further hope that her leadership will inspire a new generation of women lawyers, judges, and public leaders across Zimbabwe and Africa.

We wish Chief Justice Gwaunza every success as she assumes this important national responsibility in service of justice and the people of Zimbabwe.
 @JSCZim @lawsocietyofzim
@SadcLawyers
@SeacjForum
@saflii
@achpr_cadhp
@tsunga_arnold
@bamujm
@ealawsociety
@AEJNet
@JusticExAfrica
@AfricanPOC
@whrdinitiative
@TMF_Legacy

[Africa Judges & Jurists Forum @AfricanJurists]

⚖️ Webinar | Electoral Term Limits in Africa
Join the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) for an important conversation on electoral term limits and their role in strengthening democracy, constitutionalism, and governance across Africa.
📅 14 April 2026
⏰ 03:00 PM SAST
📍 Virtual
This discussion will explore the legal, political, and institutional dynamics shaping term limits on the continent.

🔗 Register now: https://t.co/oJyOqVOH6l

#AJJF #ElectoralReforms #RuleOfLaw #Democracy #Africa #Governance #TermLimits

[Africa Judges & Jurists Forum @AfricanJurists]

@tsunga_arnold AJJF Elections & Rule of Law Advisor, shares powerful insights on how electoral disputes are reshaping democracy in Africa — and why trust and prevention must come first.

📖 Read more:
https://t.co/XbGMDM48FY

#AJJF #ElectoralJustice #Africa #Democracy #RuleOfLaw

[CIVIC SPACE IN AFRICA @civicspaceaf]

Elections and the rule of law in Africa

Civic space, Democratic participation and electoral justice in Africa
@TitoMagoti @tsunga_arnold
@iamTSUNGA
#electionsandruleoflaw
#electoraljustice
#civicspaceandelections

[Samkeliso Tshuma @samkebusiness]

I am at Nketha public hearing and l want to raise an alarm. They took Denford Sithole at Nketha Hall. A group of men surrounded him and some left with him. I don't know where they took him. I believe those were CIOs. One guy clapped Keegan Mathe and l had to grab Mathe to pull him close to me. I am heartbroken. Please those who can find that young man, please help. I can't imagine what they are doing to him.

Please tag ZLHR...l am failing to tag. I also asked someone to alert the Bulawayo office as well. Please help that young man. Please.

[James Melville 🚜 @JamesMelville]

Tony Benn: 'Don't Arab and Iraqi women weep when their children die?'. His speech during the House of Commons debate on going to war in Iraq - 17 February 1998. One of greatest anti war speeches of all time:

“I was in London in the blitz in 1940, living in the Millbank tower, where I was born. Some different ideas have come in since. And every night, I went down to the shelter in Thames house. Every morning, I saw dockland burning. Five hundred people were killed in Westminster one night by a land mine. It was terrifying.

Aren't Arabs terrified? Aren't Iraqis terrified? Don't Arab and Iraqi women weep when their children die? Does bombing strengthen their determination? What fools we are to live in a generation for which war is a computer game for our children and just an interesting little channel for news item.

Every Member of Parliament tonight who votes for the Government motion will be consciously and deliberately accepting responsibility for the deaths of innocent people if the war begins, as I fear it will. Now that's for their decision to take. But this is a quite unique debate. In my parliamentary experience, where we are asked to share responsibility for a decision we won't really be taking, with consequences for people who have no part to play in the brutality of the regime which we are dealing with.”

[JusticExchangeAfrica @JusticExAfrica]

ZIMBABWE 3 COUPS since 2008|

Coup #1: 2008, electoral coup after President Mugabe lost election to Morgan Tsvangirai and refused to hand over power with President Thabo Mbeki’s help.

Coup #2: 2017: Army overthrew Pr Mugabe in a popular coup

Coup #3: Ongoing constitutional coup

[Africa Electoral Justice Network @AEJNet]

President Museveni answering many questions posed by @SkyNews about his stay in power

[Sudhir Byaruhanga @Sudhirntv]

We built the Internet - President Elect Museveni @SkyNews

[Africa Electoral Justice Network @AEJNet]

President Museveni declared winner of the #UgandaElections

[Government of Uganda @GovUganda]

The Electoral Commission has duly declared His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the elected President of the Republic of Uganda for the 2026–2031 term. Congratulations

[Africa Electoral Justice Network @AEJNet]

#UGDecides2026
#UgandaElections

[Evidence&Methods Lab @evidence_method]

🇺🇬 🗳️ How did Ugandans experience the 72 hours of the 2026 elections, in the "dark"?

During the critical Jan 13-15 period, Uganda experienced widespread internet shutdown, pre-election crackdowns on critics, arrests, significant electoral irregularities, killings and logistical failures.

We analyze all critical digital conversations and posts in that timeframe to produce an analysis that offers multi-platform documentation, amplifying authentic citizen voices and experiences, revealing violations and the profound impact on digital rights and democratic processes.

Discover the full scope of the citizen experiences and vital lessons for upholding democratic principles in the digital age.

📊 Full Report: https://t.co/rFIelNdCDW
📝 Blog: https://t.co/3ZsDDU8rOS

#UgandaDecides2026 #UGDecides2026 #InternetShutdowns #SpotlightOnUgElections26 #CuratingCitizenVoices #UgVotes2026 #ElectoralIntegrity #CitizenVoices #KeepItOn #UgandaDecides #UgandaElections2026 #DigitalDemocracy

[CIVIC SPACE IN AFRICA @civicspaceaf]

This is how Uganda prepares for free and fair elections 🤷🏾‍♂️. Amazing!!

[CIVIC SPACE IN AFRICA @civicspaceaf]

Please do not disturb. Free, fair and peaceful elections are taking place in #Uganda!

There is no need for internet. That is why we shut it down - saying this in the voice of Ugandan government

#UgandaDecides2026
#Civicspace
#HumanRights
#RuleOfLaw
@TitoMagoti
@iamTSUNGA

[Africa Electoral Justice Network @AEJNet]

#UgandaDecides2026

Biometric glitches

[Kennedy Wandera @KennedyWandera_]

Uganda's🇺🇬 elections marred by significant disruptions, widespread delays and biometric glitches force a return to manual voting. President Yoweri Museveni nearly fails to vote after biometric verification machines fail to recognize his fingerprints. They had to scan his face to vote.

"I put my right fingerprints on the machines, it didn't work. The machine did not accept it. I put my left fingerprints, it did not accept it. It could be they took them in a different angle. But my face was scanned and accepted by the machine.

So, I don't know if this was an oversight or part of the manipulation. But we shall study all the other factors. We are following (investigating) it. We will find out why."

[Africa Judges & Jurists Forum @AfricanJurists]

Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices Forum Annual Conference Opens in Gaborone, Botswana with AJJF Support

The Annual Conference of the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices Forum (SEACJF) officially opened today in Gaborone, Botswana, under the theme “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law.”

The event is co-organised by SEACJF and the @africajurists (AJJF) with support from @ICJKenya, @AEJNet , @YIAGA, the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum, and Synergy International Systems.

Leading the AJJF delegation, Secretary General Martin Masiga was joined by an eminent team including Retired Chief Justices David Maraga (Kenya), Andrew Nyirenda (Malawi), Justices Charles Mkandawire (Malawi), Thomas Masuku (Eswatini/Namibia), Lady Justices Lilian Tibatemwa (Uganda) and Shale (Lesotho), Dr. Justice Mavedzenge, Arnold Tsunga, Selina Jacobs, and Christine Wainana (Norec Fellows).

In his opening remarks, Retired Chief Justice David Maraga reaffirmed AJJF’s commitment to advancing independent, impartial, and accountable judiciaries across Africa, describing these values as “the foundation of justice and a safeguard for the rule of law.”

Maraga also introduced the Judicial Elders Council (JEC) — a body within AJJF comprising retired Chief Justices recognized for their distinguished service and leadership. The current JEC members include Ret. Chief Justices Willy Mutunga (Kenya), Othman Chande (Tanzania), Earnest Sakala (Zambia), Andrew Nyirenda (Malawi), and David Maraga (Kenya).

Speaking at the same event, Guest of Honour Duma Gideon Boko, President of Botswana, warned against the potential capture of judiciaries by vested interests, calling for vigilance in defending judicial independence and accountability.

The AJJF concluded the session by emphasizing that adherence to African and international human rights instruments—including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—is key to ensuring that the rule of law becomes a driver of sustainable development in Africa.
Readmore:https://t.co/SmsIQv10sw

[Africa Judges & Jurists Forum @AfricanJurists]

During the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices Forum (SEACJF) Annual Conference 2025 held in Gaborone, Botswana, Lady Justice Shale of Lesotho, a distinguished member of the African Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF), delivered a powerful and thought-provoking address on judicial accountability.

In her remarks, Lady Justice Shale challenged African judiciaries not to fear accountability, but rather to take the lead in defining what accountability truly means within the context of judicial independence and the rule of law.

She emphasized that true accountability strengthens, not weakens, judicial independence—urging judges and Chief Justices across the region to embrace transparency, ethical leadership, and self-regulation as pillars of public trust.

Her statement aligned strongly with the conference’s theme:
“Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law.”

This session, co-organised by the AJJF and SEACJF, brought together Chief Justices, senior judges, and justice sector leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa, with support from @ICJKenya, @AEJNet , @YIAGA, the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum, and @synisys. Watch More: https://t.co/nVR1eh9KOl

[Africa Judges & Jurists Forum @AfricanJurists]

Retired Chief Justice David Maraga Opens SEACJF Annual Conference in Gaborone | AJJF 2025
The Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices Forum (SEACJF) Annual Conference 2025 officially opened in Gaborone, Botswana, co-organised by the @africajurists (AJJF) and @SeacjForum .

In this opening session, Retired Chief Justice David Maraga (Kenya) delivers an inspiring address reaffirming the AJJF’s commitment to judicial independence, accountability, and the rule of law across Africa.

Speaking on behalf of the AJJF, CJ Maraga emphasizes that “without independence and accountability, a judiciary is not a judiciary, but a tool at the hands of oppressive systems.” He highlights how the AJJF and its Judicial Elders Council (JEC)—composed of retired Chief Justices who have led with integrity and distinction—continue to provide technical support to strengthen judiciaries and promote access to justice across the continent.

The opening session also features remarks from President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, who warns that African institutions, including the judiciary, must remain vigilant against capture by vested interests, reinforcing the conference’s theme:
Theme: “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law.”

This event marks a significant moment in Africa’s justice sector collaboration, bringing together Chief Justices, senior judges, and legal experts from Southern and Eastern Africa, with support from @ICJKenya, @AEJNet , @YIAGA, the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum, and @synisys.