About AfEONet
Discover our mission, history, and impact on election observation in Africa.
Our Mission
AfEONet's mission is to monitor and document the state of civic space for citizen election observers in Africa. Our ultimate goal is to establish a robust monitoring framework that highlights and reports whenever the work of citizen observers is threatened.
Citizen election observers are now recognized as human rights defenders, playing an indispensable role in upholding civil and political rights, as well as strengthening democratic values and principles.
Strengthening Democracy Through Observation
At AfEONet, we believe that strong democratic institutions require active civic participation and robust oversight mechanisms.
The 8 Dimensions of Civic Space
Our monitoring framework focuses on eight key dimensions that define civic space for election observers:
1. Regulatory Framework
The regulatory framework that protects citizen observers as human rights defenders, including laws and institutions governing civil society organizations' operations.
2. Administrative Constraints
Accreditation procedures and other bureaucracies imposed on citizen observers, which were once relatively simple but have become more constraining.
3. Relationship with Electoral Management Body
The quality and nature of the relationship between citizen observer organizations and the electoral management body.
4. Security and Well-being
The use of legal and illegal mechanisms that threaten the work of citizen observer organizations, their leaders, staff, and volunteers.
5. Access to Electoral Data
The procedures in place to allow citizen observers to access information on electoral management and processes.
6. Access to Funding
The freedom of citizen observers to mobilize funding for election observation, the types of funding sources available, and whether these sources are open or controlled.
7. Dialogue and Consultation
The platforms available for citizen observers to engage in dialogue with relevant government institutions, including the electoral management body, on observation recommendations and electoral reforms.
8. Perception of Observers
The perception of the ruling party/regime, opposition political parties, media, and the general public on the role of citizen observers in democracy and the credibility of elections.
Our Methodology
AfEONet uses a rigorous methodology to assess the state of civic space for election observers. Our approach combines qualitative and quantitative data collection to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation.
Color Coding System
We use a color coding system to visually represent the different civic space situations:
- Open/free/secure - Green
- Narrowed - Yellow
- Obstructed - Orange
- Repressed/threatened - Red
- Closed - Dark Red
Data Collection Process
Our data collection process involves a network of focal persons in different African countries. These individuals are trained to observe and document the state of civic space according to our eight dimensions. The collected data is then validated by our team of administrators before being published on the platform.
Our Partners
AfEONet works closely with a network of partners across Africa and beyond to promote an open and secure civic space for election observers.
AfricTivistes
A pan-African network of bloggers and cyber-activists for democracy.
WAEON
West African Election Observers Network.
ESN-SA
Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa.
Join our network
Are you an election observer, civil society organization, or simply interested in our work? Join our network to contribute to monitoring civic space in Africa.
Strengthening Democracy Through Observation
The 8 Dimensions of Civic Space
Our monitoring framework focuses on eight key dimensions that define civic space for election observers:
1. Regulatory Framework
The regulatory framework that protects citizen observers as human rights defenders, including laws and institutions governing civil society organizations' operations.
2. Administrative Constraints
Accreditation procedures and other bureaucracies imposed on citizen observers, which were once relatively simple but have become more constraining.
3. Relationship with Electoral Management Body
The quality and nature of the relationship between citizen observer organizations and the electoral management body.
4. Security and Well-being
The use of legal and illegal mechanisms that threaten the work of citizen observer organizations, their leaders, staff, and volunteers.
5. Access to Electoral Data
The procedures in place to allow citizen observers to access information on electoral management and processes.
6. Access to Funding
The freedom of citizen observers to mobilize funding for election observation, the types of funding sources available, and whether these sources are open or controlled.
7. Dialogue and Consultation
The platforms available for citizen observers to engage in dialogue with relevant government institutions, including the electoral management body, on observation recommendations and electoral reforms.
8. Perception of Observers
The perception of the ruling party/regime, opposition political parties, media, and the general public on the role of citizen observers in democracy and the credibility of elections.
Join our network
Are you an election observer, civil society organization, or simply interested in our work? Join our network to contribute to monitoring civic space in Africa.
Contact Us