Across Africa, citizen election observers play a vital role in safeguarding electoral integrity, transparency, and public trust. Yet in many contexts, their work is increasingly conducted under pressure — from restrictive legal frameworks and accreditation barriers to intimidation and shrinking civic space.

This webinar will examine the current state of citizen election observation in Africa, situating regional developments within broader global trends. Drawing on the findings of GNDEM’s State of Nonpartisan Citizen Election Observers’ Rights report and country-level experiences, the discussion will explore both the challenges facing observers and the resilience demonstrated across the continent.

The session aims to highlight practical lessons, emerging risks, and opportunities for strengthening protection and support for nonpartisan citizen observers.

Details:

• Date: Friday, 27 February 2026
• Time: 11:00 CET
• Language: English
• Registration: Please register here for the event.

Speakers:

• Mercy Njoroge, Lead Author, State of Nonpartisan Citizen Election Observers’ Rights report (GNDEM)
• Anis Saamali, Election Expert across North Africa and the broader African region
• Dr. Sarah Bireete, Chairperson, Global Network for Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM); Ugandan civic leader and election observer
• Zosia Lutkiewicz, Board member, Global Network for Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) and European Platform for Democratic Elections
  

Moderated by Adam Busuleanu, European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE)