The African Union is undertaking a Follow-up Mission to Lesotho from 29 June–3 July 2026 to assess progress in implementing recommendations from the 2022 AU Election Observation Mission and advance electoral and governance reforms ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The mission began with consultations involving government institutions, the European Union Delegation, the Christian Council of Lesotho, and the International IDEA Country Office. In the coming days, the delegation will engage a broad range of state and non-state stakeholders to support ongoing electoral reform efforts.
@Int_IDEA is pleased to be part of this mission.
@EUtoAU@AUC_PAPS@muringvera@funtydudu
In his official opening of the 13th New Commissioners’ Orientation Programme in South Africa, Hon. Andries Carl Nel, Deputy Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development of South Africa, emphasized that “Commissioners are not merely administrators of elections; they are guardians of the people's trust in the electoral process.”
He highlighted the immense responsibility entrusted to Electoral Management Bodies in safeguarding democracy, promoting active citizen participation, and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Organised by @theECFSADC and @Int_IDEA, and hosted by @IECSouthAfrica. the programme is co-funded by the @EUtoAU through SPEC Project
@AUC_PAPS
The 13th New Commissioners’ Orientation has officially commenced today in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Organised by the Electoral Commissions’ Forum of SADC Countries and @Int_IDEA, and hosted by @IECSouthAfrica of South Africa, the programme is co-funded by the @EUtoAU through SPEC Project.
The programme aims to support policymakers and senior leaders within Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) across Southern Africa in their mandate to deliver transparent, credible and peaceful elections.
#NCO2026SA
Ms Janet Love, Commissioner of @IECSouthAfrica, in her welcoming remarks at the 13th New Commissioners’ Orientation Programme, highlighted that the NCO is a space for shared learning, strengthening institutions, and advancing credible and transparent elections.
Organised by @theECFSADC and @Int_IDEA, and hosted by @IECSouthAfrica. The programme is co-funded by the @EUtoAU through the SPEC Project.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Mosotho Moepya, ECF-SADC Exco and Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of @IECSouthAfrica , highlighted the strong and longstanding partnership between @theECFSADC and @Int_IDEA , as well as the valuable support provided through SPEC Project.
He underscored that strengthening the capacity of EMBs remains a key strategic priority for both institutions, emphasizing that professional, capable and resilient EMBs are fundamental to achieving electoral integrity and sustaining democratic governance across the region.
@EUtoAU@AUC_PAPS
Gram Matenga, of @Int_IDEA, stated: “In an era shaped by social media and artificial intelligence, safeguarding electoral integrity requires constant vigilance beyond the polling station.”
Electoral Management Bodies are custodians of public trust, operating at the intersection of rising public expectations and intense political competition.
The NCO is organised by @theECFSADC and @Int_IDEA, and hosted by @IECSouthAfrica. The programme is co-funded by the @EUtoAU through the SPEC Project.
@MatengaG
Since its inception, the New Commissioners’ Orientation (NCO) programme has strengthened electoral leadership, peer learning and democratic governance across Africa by equipping newly appointed EMB leaders with skills to deliver credible, transparent and peaceful elections.
📢 The 13th New Commissioners’ Orientation (#NCO2026) will take place in Johannesburg from 3 – 5 June 2026. Supported by the EU funded SPEC project.
@EUtoAU@theECFSADC
At the launch of the Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections, happened today in Addis Ababa Olufunto Akinduro, Senior Adviser, Electoral Processes,Africa & West Asia, International IDEA, highlighted both the positive role of elections in advancing democracy and their continued link to electoral violence in Africa.
“Electoral integrity is under strain worldwide, and risk management is the backbone of the electoral process.” Sead Alihodzic, Principal Advisor at Electoral Processes, International IDEA, at the launch of the Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections.
The Electoral Commissioner of Mauritius shared valuable experiences and reflections on the Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections. The launch concluded successfully with a rich and constructive discussion among participants.
The @gmpressunion and @IDEA_Africa, with support from @EUinTheGambia, have officially launched three key Media Policy Documents, alongside capacity-building for journalists on ethical reporting, professional conduct, and the role of the Media Council of The Gambia.
#EUCODE
“As we proceed with the programme, I encourage all partners & media institutions to adopt and implement these policy tools. Doing so will strengthen self-regulation, protect journalists, & improve the quality of information available to the public,” @IsatouKeita2, GPU President.
“The policies being launched today offer practical guidance for journalists and media houses, clarify professional responsibilities, and reinforce the role of the Media Council of The Gambia as an independent regulator.” - Ambassador Cortés of @EUinTheGambia
Olufunto Akinduro of @Int_IDEA is unpacking Heat Maps and Response Actions with National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) staff during the ongoing ToT in Addis Ababa, strengthening preparedness ahead of Ethiopia’s upcoming elections in June 2026.
Supported by the EU-funded SPEC Project.
@EUtoAU@NEBEthiopia
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Day 2 of the ToT for the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) opened with discussions on electoral risk identification, categorisation, and mapping, aimed at strengthening staff capacity to apply Protecting Elections and Electoral Risk Management methodologies ahead of the upcoming Ethiopian election. Supported by the EU-funded SPEC Project.
@NEBEthiopia@EUtoAU@AUC_PAPS
To mark #IDEA30years and the 70th Anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference, this workshop will convene key representatives from #Asia & #Africa to explore innovative strategies for enhancing the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of elections. Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/I4gUrbWMtr