LocationsThis week in Dakar, more than 10 African electoral management bodies are taking part in a week of training.
African Electoral Institutions and Their Role in shaping our Democracy
August 21, 2025
Dakar, Senegal
UNDP WACA
Election processes are among the most important national events in any country. Campaigns that precede them—marked by rallies, headlines, and media coverage—underscore the importance of participation. Much like national holidays, elections commemorate a shared civic experience that links citizens together under a promised future.
But the observation of elections is not merely ceremonial. The data collected by observers reflects the democratic standards and systemic weaknesses of a country. Even before election day, observers monitor who is registered and who participates—women, men, and young people—providing a picture of engagement across different social groups. They ask: Who has access to media? Is there freedom of assembly?
On voting day, they examine the composition of polling staff. Who arrives early, who votes later—patterns that reveal access, safety, or socioeconomic barriers. After elections, observers help assess acceptance of results and implementation of recommendations. In other words, the health of a democracy, and citizens’ engagement or alienation within it, can largely be assessed through one electoral process.
Observers can also highlight external risks. Climate change, for example, is increasingly a threat to election management: floods, droughts, and other extreme events can delay logistics, hinder voter access, or even disrupt electoral calendars. Electoral management bodies (EMBs) therefore play a key role in putting safeguards in place to protect electoral integrity from multiple shocks.
Why is this relevant?
Between now and 2027, at least 15 African countries—including Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cape Verde, Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Uganda, and Zambia—will hold elections. Observers will play a vital role in protecting equality in participation, building trust in democratic processes, and enhancing the legitimacy of governments that emerge from them.
It is in this context that the African Union (AU), International IDEA, and UNDP Senegal are organizing an Introduction to Electoral Administration BRIDGE training (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections) this week in Dakar. The program targets EMBs and EMB networks from across the continent.
For Dr. Ibrahima Amadou Niang, Governance Team Leader at UNDP Senegal and one of the facilitators of this training, this moment is critical:
“This is an opportunity to rethink our governance processes, to make the right choices for our countries. It’s a season of opportunities and restarts. Elections can either widen exclusion if barriers remain high or, if truly participatory, transform institutions, strengthen governance, and create an enabling environment for sustainable development and the SDGs.”Dr. Ibrahima Amadou Niang, Governance Team Leader at UNDP Senegal
The training began with foundational questions—Why are elections important?—and creative role-playing exercises, such as explaining elections without using words like vote or elect. Participants also tackled tough, citizen-centered questions: How is my data protected in an era of technology and cybersecurity risks?
For Senior Electoral Expert Rindai Vava, one of the most thought-provoking issues raised was the true independence of electoral bodies:
“While they are called ‘independent,’ many EMBs still depend on external approval for budgeting, accountability, and reporting. Their institutional setup sometimes limits how independent they truly are. More work is needed—consolidated funding and stronger oversight mechanisms are essential.”Rindai Vava, Senior Electoral Expert
The overarching aim is to strengthen EMB capacities by equipping participants with skills, knowledge, and professional development aligned with international standards of democracy and electoral integrity. Specifically, the training seeks to:
- Equip EMB staff with technical expertise and a deeper understanding of processes, procedures, and ethics.
- Strengthen risk management, fraud prevention, and dispute resolution.
- Promote inclusivity, with strong emphasis on gender and youth participation.
- Build institutional resilience to address emerging threats, including climate shocks and cybersecurity.
The Three Phases of Election Observation
- Pre-electoral phase: Establishing the legal and institutional framework, financial and operational planning.
- Voting phase: Observing the conduct of election day procedures.
- Post-electoral phase: Drawing lessons, with careful consideration of observer recommendations.
Ambassador Calixte Aristide Mbari, Head of the Democracy, Elections and Constitutionalism Division at the African Union, explains:
“All these phases must be conducted with great care to avoid unrest. As they say, the devil is in the details. It is essential to understand the full dynamics of an electoral process and clearly define the concepts of democracy and elections, which are sometimes confused. The African Union stands ready to support Member States by strengthening capacities, providing technical assistance, and ensuring elections are inclusive and credible. The ultimate goal is for Member States to be better equipped to organize transparent, peaceful elections that contribute to development and stability on the continent.”Ambassador Calixte Aristide Mbari, Head of the Democracy, Elections and Constitutionalism Division at the African Union
According to Dr. Niang, the choice of Dakar as host is also symbolic. Senegal has a long tradition of peaceful and well-managed elections. Recent polls were recognized as inclusive, transparent, and free of major violence. Senegal—alongside Cape Verde and Ghana—stands out as a model of best practices in the region. Hosting the training here allows other countries to learn from Senegal’s electoral experience, which demonstrates how well-managed processes can enhance peace, participation, and development.
Technology, AI, and Cybersecurity
Elections generate massive amounts of data, but only about 15–20% is effectively used. According to Dr. Niang:
“Much of the data is set aside once reports are published. Yet this data could be turned into policy briefs, advocacy documents, or evidence for reforms and even legal cases. AI can help analyze large volumes of electoral data and turn it into actionable information.”
Elections also produce vast amounts of sensitive data, including voter information and results. Strong cybersecurity measures are therefore essential to reduce the risk of malicious actors hacking into election systems to alter data or spread false information.
This week’s training directly addresses these questions. Participants are discussing how to move with technology rather than be left behind by it, exploring the opportunities of digital tools while recognizing the risks. Sessions focus on the safe use of social media, using AI to guide policy-making, reforms, and institutional strengthening, the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and how both can erode public trust if left unchecked.
As Africa enters a decisive cycle of elections between 2025 and 2027, the need to build resilient, inclusive, and transparent electoral systems has never been greater. At stake is the renewal of trust between citizens and institutions. This period is an opportunity for observers, Electoral Management Bodies, and international partners to rethink governance, harness technology responsibly, and protect electoral integrity against old and emerging threats. Fair and inclusive elections give people a genuine voice, strengthen their sense of belonging, and anchor democracy as the foundation of sustainable development, stability, and lasting progress across the continent.