The European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) and the African Electoral Observation Network (AfEONet), representing together thousands of election experts and volunteer observers, have launched the first-ever strategic transcontinental collaboration on citizen election observation. This initiative aims to strengthen solidarity among civil society monitors and to support democratic processes across both Europe and Africa.

Countering the Growing Threats to Election Integrity

Disinformation, opaque political advertising on social media, the misuse of new technologies, and foreign interference by authoritarian regimes increasingly threaten the integrity of elections in both established and emerging democracies. These challenges affect electoral environments across Africa and Europe, undermining public trust and democratic participation.

“Election falsifiers are acting globally, sharing tools and tactics to undermine democratic elections. It’s time for citizen election defenders to unite in solidarity and to strengthen electoral oversight. EPDE is proud to partner with AfEoNet in this effort”, says Stefanie Schiffer, EPDE Chair of Board. 

Why Citizen Election Observation Matters

As international election observation missions are increasingly under threat to be sidelined, or simply not invited by governments, the role of independent domestic observers has become more vital than ever. They monitor entire electoral cycles on a daily basis, expose manipulations, and constantly advocate for democratic reforms—operating independently and free from political pressure.

A New Model for Transcontinental Cooperation

The cooperation between EPDE and AfEONet will strengthen citizen election observers by sharing methodologies, tools, and expertise, particularly in countering hybrid threats and enhancing democratic resilience. EPDE and AfEONet bring deep and long-term experience in developing observation methodologies and in defending democratic institutions.

About the Networks

The European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) brings together 17 election observation organizations from 13 European countries. It supports citizen-led election monitoring efforts, promotes democratic reforms, and advances electoral integrity across Europe and its neighborhood.

The African Electoral Observation Network (AfEONet) is a pan-African network that connects three regional civil society election observation coalitions: the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA), the West Africa Election Observers Network (WAEON), and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN). Together, they strengthen nonpartisan election observation and democratic advocacy across the continent.

Both EPDE and AfEONet are members of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) and co-signatories of the Declaration of Global Principles for Nonpartisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations.

This transcontinental initiative is made possible through the generous support of the German Federal Foreign Office.

For further information or interest in joint events, please contact:

Adam Busuleanu
Head of Network & Training
European Platform for Democratic Elections
busuleanu@european-exchange.org
T: +49 30 616 71 464 0

Photo Kick-off meeting in Berlin, from left to right: Adam Busuleanu, Mulle Musau, Stefanie Schiffer, Henry Muguzi, Samson Itodo, Thomas Vogel, photographer: EPDE