GNDEM Analysis Finds Uganda’s Proposed “Protection of Sovereignty” Bill an Excessive and Dangerous Throttle on Civic Participation
The Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) has been following efforts to restrict citizen election observers from supporting transparent and accountable political processes, including through the manipulation of the legal framework. This includes, most recently, Uganda’s proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill which would eliminate, silence, and bring under state control a wide range of […]
GNDEM Alarmed Over Increased Attacks Against Nonpartisan Election Observers in Sierra Leone
The Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) expresses growing concern over the unwarranted criticism regarding the role of election observers in Sierra Leone, and targeted attacks against GNDEM member organization, the National Election Watch (NEW). NEW is a long-standing, professional and highly respected coalition in Sierra Leone, and has observed elections in the country since 2002. Recent accusations […]
Webinar: Hungary After the Vote — Understanding Power, Process, and Post-Election Pathways | 25 March 2026 | 15:00 CET
On 25 March 2026, the European Platform for Democratic Elections hosted the webinar “Hungary After the Vote — Understanding Power, Process, and Post-Election Pathways”. Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections are shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the country’s political future. With polls pointing to a competitive contest, important questions remain not only about election […]
Webinar: Citizen Election Observation in Africa: Between Pressure and Resilience | 27 February 2026 | 11:00 CET
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, […]
Statement on the arbitrary detention of Dr. Sarah Bireete
The European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of Dr. Sarah Bireete and the escalating crackdown on civil society in Uganda ahead of the 15 January 2026 elections. EPDE calls on the Ugandan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release her. EPDE further urges the authorities to guarantee Dr. Bireete’s safety, to […]
GNDEM Expresses Serious Concern about Arrest of Leading Uganda Nonpartisan Citizen Observer and GNDEM Chairperson
The Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) expresses its serious concern regarding the arrest of Dr. Sarah Bireete in advance of Uganda upcoming general elections on 15 January 2026. Dr. Bireete is a leading Ugandan nonpartisan citizen observer and respected human rights lawyer who is Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) based in Kampala, Uganda. […]
EPDE Expands Cooperation with African Election Observer Networks
Capacity Building with E-HORN and ELOG As part of growing cooperation with African observer organisations, EPDE conducted three joint trainings with the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), in collaboration with Kenya’s Election Observation Group (ELOG). These sessions focused on social media monitoring – an increasingly critical area for detecting disinformation, coordinated […]
Citizen Election Observers from Europe and Africa Launch First-Ever Transcontinental Cooperation to Counter Threats to Democracy
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 […]