*Bogota, Colombia – October 23, 2024:*
*By John Kusolo*
In a significant milestone for Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC), the body has been elected to the Executive Board of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB). This announcement came during the 6th General Assembly of A-WEB, which took place on October 23, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia.
A-WEB, headquartered in South Korea, is the largest international organization dedicated to election management, comprising 121 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from 111 countries. Since its establishment in 2013, the association has been instrumental in advancing the conduct of democratic, free, fair, transparent, and participative elections worldwide.
EC’s Role on the Executive Board
Uganda’s EC was nominated to the Executive Board by its peers from the African region, alongside Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). These two bodies were selected to fill two vacant positions representing the African continent. They will serve on the Board for a term of two years, with the possibility of renewal for another term.
The election of the EC and the IEBC brings the number of African countries represented on the A-WEB Executive Board to five, with other representatives being the election management bodies from Libya, Sierra Leone, and Mauritius. This makes the African presence on the Board more robust, allowing the continent to have a more active role in shaping global electoral policies and practices.
The A-WEB Executive Board is tasked with providing leadership and oversight to the association’s activities. Its primary goal is to ensure the promotion of democratic principles by fostering elections that are free, fair, transparent, and credible. The Board plays a critical role in guiding A-WEB’s efforts to support election management bodies worldwide in their pursuit of democratic excellence.
Commissioner Peter James Emorut, who represented Uganda's EC at the General Assembly in Bogota, expressed his gratitude for the trust vested in Uganda’s Electoral Commission by the member bodies. In his acceptance remarks, he stated:
"We are deeply honored by the confidence that members have shown in the Electoral Commission of Uganda. Our commitment to advancing the values of free and fair elections remains unwavering. We pledge to contribute positively to A-WEB's mission and vision during our tenure on the Executive Board."
Emorut’s comments underscore Uganda’s dedication to strengthening global electoral systems and its readiness to collaborate with international partners in promoting democratic governance.
The Association of World Election Bodies has been at the forefront of promoting election integrity worldwide. Through its extensive network, A-WEB facilitates collaboration, information sharing, and technical support among its member EMBs, helping them implement best practices in election management.
A-WEB’s General Assembly is held every two years, bringing together EMBs from across the globe to discuss critical electoral issues, share experiences, and adopt policies that advance democratic processes. The Executive Board, consisting of representatives from various continents, plays a pivotal role in steering these discussions and ensuring that A-WEB's objectives are met.
A-WEB’s mission is deeply rooted in promoting democracy by supporting its members in their efforts to deliver elections that are credible and inclusive. By focusing on capacity building, electoral integrity, and fostering cooperation among election bodies, A-WEB helps reinforce the legitimacy of electoral outcomes, which are central to the governance and stability of nations.
Uganda’s election to A-WEB’s Executive Board reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its electoral processes. The EC has made significant strides in organizing elections that aim to be more inclusive, transparent, and credible, even amidst challenges. Over the years, Uganda’s EC has been involved in various initiatives aimed at modernizing electoral management through the adoption of technology and capacity-building programs.
By securing a seat on the Executive Board, Uganda now has the opportunity to share its electoral experiences and learn from other election management bodies. Additionally, the EC’s participation on the Board places Uganda at the center of global discussions on electoral reforms, further reinforcing the country’s role in promoting democracy both regionally and internationally.
Uganda’s election to the A-WEB Executive Board marks a proud moment for the country and its Electoral Commission. As a representative of Africa, Uganda will play a key role in shaping the global electoral agenda over the next two years. Through its involvement with A-WEB, Uganda’s EC is well-positioned to contribute to the advancement of free, fair, and credible elections worldwide, while also enhancing its own electoral management practices through collaboration and learning from international peers.
The future of election management in Uganda and the broader African region looks promising as Uganda takes on this leadership role within A-WEB. This achievement not only reinforces Uganda’s commitment to democracy but also enhances its global standing in the field of electoral management.
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