The Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has embarked on a 2-day consortium meeting with its partners, African Domestic Elections Observers from West, Southern, Eastern, and Horn of Africa in Nairobi, for the Launch of a Holistic Approach to Democracy (AHEAD) project.

Joseph Oti Frimpong, Programmes Officer at Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana), outlined the involvement of CDD-Ghana in the AHEAD project.

According to Mr. Frimpong, the West African Election Observation Network (WAEON) promotes best electoral practices through exchange learning programs, training observers, and advocating for the next generation.

Giovanna Tanzi, Programme Manager for #AHEADAfrica at European Partnership for Democracy, highlighted that the AHEAD project is a Pan-African initiative designed to empower civil society within the framework of the electoral cycle.

”Let us march forward together into a future where fair and credible elections will become a norm and not an exception.”
Dr. Bireete Sarah, Chairperson East & Horn Election Observers Network (EHORN)

Anne W. Ireri, Chairperson at the Elections Observation Group Kenya, emphasized the importance of defending and promoting human rights, particularly political rights, and the need for free and fair electoral processes in Kenya.

Ireri’s remarks reflect the ongoing efforts of civil society organizations to hold the government accountable for its pledges and to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent.

Additionally, Aisha Dabo, Programmes Coordinator at AfricTivists shared its approach to elevating citizen engagement through digital tools, as she emphasized, ”This will be crucial to spurring innovation in citizen election observation efforts.”

How the Future Looks Like for Africa’s Democracy

Kojo Pumpuni Asante, Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at Center for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana), stated that for him, the #AHEADAfricaProject is ”A formidable initiative that promotes integrity, reforms and credibility in election observation.”

Henry Muguzi, Executive Director at African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), expressed the intention to expand AfEONet into a truly continental network by reaching out to citizen observer networks in the Economic Community of Central African States and Maghreb regions.

Muguzi’s call aligns with the broader goals of the African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), to strengthen democratic governance and electoral processes across the continent.

Mulle Musau, the National Coordinator at Elections Observation Group Kenya, highlighted that the group is focusing on strengthening its institutional framework and expanding its membership. In addition, it plans to implement peer-to-peer learning to promote democracy in Africa.

Line Urban, representing the EU, emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting holistic approaches to democratic governance. This support is particularly evident in the #AHEADAfricaProject, designed to facilitate dialogue and accountability between citizens and leaders.

”Representation and participation in electoral processes is key in promoting democracy.”
Line Urban

Line Urban’s statement highlights three key issues that need to be addressed to strengthen democracy to the African continent.

First, the #AHEADAfricaProject, as part of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), aims to strengthen democratic governance by focusing on the electoral cycle. This approach involves various stages of electoral processes, from campaigning and voting to the monitoring and evaluation of election outcomes.

Second, the EU’s support for the #AHEADAfricaProject underscores its commitment to strengthening democratic governance in Africa, and the project’s timeliness reflects the urgency of addressing electoral integrity and democratic gaps in the region.

Finally, the EU’s support for holistic approaches to democratic governance, as expressed by Line Urban, is consistent with its commitment to democracy and good governance in Africa. The EU has a variety of tools at its disposal, including budget support, development aid, and election observation missions, to promote democracy and good governance on the continent.

The consortium meeting, which is Led by the European Partnership for Democracy and co-funded by the European Commission held in Nairobi, suggests a collaborative effort to strengthen democratic practices across the continent.