7th Annual Continental Forum on Election Management Bodies, 14 - 15 November 2022, Maputo, Mozambique: Message from Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

Abstract

The Commissioner underlined the AU's commitment to providing technical assistance to Member States' EMBs, urged for inclusive democratic institutions with more women in leadership of EMBs and underscored the imperative for the increased participation of women and youth in AU, regional and other election observation missions in Africa. Commissioner Bankole noted, "This Forum is the only umbrella electoral practice engagement platform on the continent. It is an integral part of the African Union's overall strategy on electoral assistance to the Member States in line with the mandate bestowed upon us under Chapter Seven of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance” and called on EMBs to “key into the Malabo and Accra Declarations which prioritized robust response to insecurity, deepening democracy and collective security.”