Over the past four decades, one of the most important democratic gains in Africa has been the emergence of independent, non-partisan citizen election observers. These organizations defend core political rights, including the right to vote, stand for election, assemble, express opinions, and monitor electoral processes while promoting transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. Today, however, this democratic achievement is under threat from an authoritarian backlash. Across the continent, restrictive laws, bureaucratic hurdles, funding constraints, harassment, and criminalization increasingly undermine observer independence. In some countries, observation is permitted in law but obstructed in practice; in others, it is outright repressed. This study responds to that challenge by assessing the state of civic space for citizen election observers in 21 African countries, using eight dimensions including: legal frameworks, administrative barriers, safety, data access, and EMB relations to identify systemic barriers, enabling factors, and reform priorities needed to protect and strengthen their role in defending democracy.
Annual Report | Published November 28, 2024 | Dr. Amina Kone, AfEONet Director
Our 2024 continental assessment reveals a complex landscape of civic space for election observers across Africa, with significant variations between regions and countries.
Enhanced Digital Coordination
15 countries improved their digital platforms for observer coordination, streamlining accreditation and reporting processes.
Legal Framework Improvements
8 countries strengthened legal protections for election observers, recognizing their role as human rights defenders.
Regional Cooperation
Increased collaboration between national observer networks has enhanced knowledge sharing and best practices.
Youth Engagement
Growing participation of young observers, with 35% increase in youth involvement across monitored countries.
Despite progress, several challenges persist:
"We observe a concerning trend of administrative barriers being used to limit observer access in certain contexts, often disguised as bureaucratic efficiency measures."
This report analyzes civic space across 34 African countries using AfEONet's 8-dimension framework:
12 Countries: Open civic space
14 Countries: Narrowed conditions
6 Countries: Obstructed environment
2 Countries: Repressed conditions
The year 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges for election observation in Africa:
Access our comprehensive 78-page analysis with country-specific assessments, statistical annexes, and detailed policy recommendations.
Data sources: National election observer organizations, regional election observer networks, AfEONet field monitors across 34 countries.
Methodology: Mixed-methods approach combining quantitative indicators and qualitative assessments using AfEONet's standardized framework.
Discover more insights from AfEONet's research and monitoring work.
View All News