Elections & Political Processes
EPP promotes the development, popularisation and application of election principles and good practices through
- knowledge production and dissemination
- monitoring and
- technical support to election stakeholders.
It seeks to influence key political processes that underpin elections in Africa.
Our approach - democracy from within
EPP's approach is centred around the notion that democracy must be nurtured from within societies. Our activities are conducted through networks of global, regional, national and local organisations. This not only ensures ownership but also encourages positive peer learning, support and experience sharing. In this regard, EPP played and continues to play an important facilitating role in the establishment and functioning of two SADC election-related networks, namely
- the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (SADC-(ECF) and
- the civil society electoral support network (SADC-ESN).
Through these networks the department facilitates the development of, raises awareness about and monitors the use of election principles and good practices in Southern Africa. The experience it has accumulated over the last four years in the SADC region is being expanded to assist other countries across the continent.
A key component of EPP activity is to assist election stakeholders such as election management bodies, civil society organisations and political parties, to play their rightful roles in the electoral process in an effective manner. To this end, EPP conducts training and other capacity development activities. It coordinates the deployment of election observation missions that are designed to collect information and experiences which in turn inform our strategic interventions.
Since elections are not an isolated event but part of a broader political context, EPP also seeks to promote a conducive political environment for free, fair and credible elections by influencing key election related political processes such as the use of public resources, election campaigning and participation of special groups of voters such as youth, women and physically challenged people.
