Morocco and the African Union officially launched the fourth session of the continental Election Observation Training Program on Monday in Rabat, underscoring a shared commitment to peace, security, and good governance across Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, emphasized the importance of this initiative, describing it as a reflection of “Morocco’s ongoing dedication to African peace and inclusive governance.”
Bourita highlighted the critical timing of the program, noting that it comes ahead of several significant elections both continentally and globally. “This lends the session added weight, as it aims to prepare observers who contribute meaningfully to stability and governance,” he said.
The 2024 edition of the program notably places a strong emphasis on gender inclusion. Bourita pointed out Morocco’s commitment to empowering women in election monitoring roles across the continent, in line with broader national and international efforts.
“This session also fulfills past promises by opening its doors to more participants,” he said, noting that the current cohort includes 120 trainees from a wide range of African countries. “This diversity speaks to the program’s growing reach and relevance.”
Bourita stressed that the initiative aligns with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who has championed peace and stability in Africa through various diplomatic and developmental efforts.
Ban-Koli Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, praised Morocco’s role in strengthening electoral processes in Africa. “Since its inception in 2022, this training program has become a cornerstone of our strategy to ensure credible elections and political stability on the continent,” Adeoye stated.
He further underscored the ongoing challenges facing African democracies, arguing that robust training for election observers is essential to address these issues and safeguard the well-being of African citizens.
The Rabat-based program, which has seen exponential growth in participation since its launch, is poised to become a key pillar in the continent’s efforts to build institutional trust, strengthen electoral systems, and promote democratic accountability.
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