Commissioner Bankole Adeoye leads a delegation of African Union Commission (AUC) conducting an electoral observation mission in 2024/AU
The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace
and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye has said that the commission is
committed to ensuring that democratic values take root in the continent.
Speaking in Accra after the conclusion of the 2024 African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), Adeoye said the AU has made great strides in ensuring this.
“Our objective has been clear, improvement and consolidation of democracy. Elections are never perfect, but the progress we have witnessed reflects Africa’s commitment to democratic values,” he said.
In addition to observation missions, the AU prioritised capacity building for election management bodies, as well as tailored training programmes for electoral officials and observers have professionalized electoral processes and ensured adherence to international best practices.
“Democracy does not end on election day; it requires continuous improvement of institutions and processes. This is where our focus lies.
“We have made significant strides, but democracy is a journey that demands continuous effort. Collaboration between governments, civil society and regional institutions will be essential in maintaining this progress,” he said.
Adeoye has been hailed for spearheading a comprehensive, continent-wide approach to peace, stability and democratisation.
He has been leading sustained efforts in promoting democratic governance and ensuring electoral stability across Africa in 2024.
Observers have praised Adeoye’s leadership for moving beyond the traditional approach of election monitoring by integrating preventive diplomacy and conflict mitigation strategies.
This approach, they say, has helped stabilise electoral environments and strengthen governance in politically fragile states.
A central feature of the AU’s electoral missions in 2024 has been an emphasis on inclusivity, with Observer teams consisting of a balanced mix of youth, women and seasoned electoral experts, reinforcing the AU’s commitment to representative and inclusive governance.
The latest countries where elections were held last year include Ghana, Botswana and Namibia.
Despite significant progress, Africa’s democratic landscape remains vulnerable to challenges, particularly military coups that threaten civilian governance.
Adeoye, however, insists that the AU’s accomplishments in 2024 have laid a solid foundation for future democratic success and governance initiatives.
