Earlier this month, we launched a Peer Learning Mission of the Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) in Cotonou, Benin, bringing together representatives of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the African continent. The mission is implemented under the Pro‑Electoral Integrity project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and carried out in partnership with the African Union Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (AUC‑PAPS).
Held in the lead-up to Benin’s 2026 general elections, the Peer Learning Mission gathers national electoral stakeholders in Benin alongside EMB representatives from several African countries: the Deputy chairman of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the President of Comissão Nacional de Eleições (CNE) of Guinea-Bissau, a Commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya, the Director of electoral operations of the Direction générale des Élections of Senegal, the Director of the Legal Office of the National Electoral Commission (CNE) of Angola, a Commissioner of the National Independent Election Commission of Somalia and for Lesotho the Legal Director and a Senior District Electoral Officer of the Independent Electoral Commission.
The mission is taking place over several days in Cotonou and through structured exchanges and field engagements provides a practical platform for peer-to-peer learning, allowing participants to share experiences, compare electoral practices and analyze legal and technological challenges faced across different electoral contexts.
During the first days, delegates took part in several high-level institutional engagements aimed at deepening their understanding of Benin’s electoral framework and institutional arrangements. These included a briefing with the Autonomous National Electoral Commission of Benin (CENA), attended by its President, Mr Sacca Lafia, as well as exchanges with the Haute Autorité de l’Audiovisuel et de la Communication (HAAC), the body responsible for regulating the media environment during electoral periods.
With this mission, we continue to support continental and sub-regional cooperation among electoral institutions, promoting peer learning as an effective tool for reinforcing electoral integrity and democratic governance.
