Across several countries in Africa, citizen trust in elections and the conduct of elections is on the decline further diminishing the public’s faith in democratic processes. International and domestic election observer groups use their presence to bolster the credibility and quality of the electoral process while mitigating the potential for election-related violence. However, in recent years, the practice of election observation in Africa has come under scrutiny.
This event will examine election observation in Africa and, will provide evidence for the need to increase synergy between citizen-based domestic election observer groups and international election observer missions.
The Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding (SVNP) is a continent-wide network of 22 African policy, research, and academic organizations that works with the Wilson Center’s Africa Program to bring African knowledge and perspectives to US, African, and international policy on peacebuilding in Africa. Established in 2011 and supported by the generous financial support of Carnegie Corporation of New York, the project provides avenues for African researchers and practitioners to engage with, inform, and exchange analyses and perspectives with US, African, and international policymakers in order to develop the most appropriate, cohesive, and inclusive policy frameworks and approaches to achieving sustainable peace in Africa.
This event will also be webcast. Follow the Africa Program Twitter/X account @AfricaUpClose and catch up on the conversation using the hashtag #AfricanElections.
SPEAKER
Kgalalelo Nganje
Southern Voices Network for Peacebuilding Scholar;
Electoral Practitioner, Independent Electoral Commission, Botswana
MODERATOR
Tobias Glucksman
Senior Diplomatic Fellow, State Department;
U.S. Department of State