Collaborating for Credible Elections: EPSG Project Hosts Strategic Planning Session with ECOWAS
From February 12–13, 2025, the ECOWAS Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) project convened a two-day planning meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. This event was held in collaboration with the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) and the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC). It brought together key stakeholders to develop strategies on strengthening electoral processes across the region.
The EPSG project, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Expertise France, and Fundación Internacionaly Para Iberoamérica de Administración y Políticas Públicas (FIIAPP).
Speaking at the opening session, ECOWAS Representative, Mr. Serigne Ka, reaffirmed the importance of the partnership in supporting Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). He highlighted its role in ensuring credible electoral processes and promoting mediation and dialogue to enhance regional stability.
Also speaking at the opening, Yvonne Akpasom, Head of the EPSG Project (GIZ), highlighted the significance of the engagement and expressed appreciation for the continued mutual partnership between GIZ and ECOWAS. She emphasized that this collaboration plays a crucial role in fostering peaceful and democratic electoral processes across ECOWAS member states. In light of the region’s political challenges, she underscored the importance of sustained efforts to uphold democracy and peace.
A key focus of the discussions was the review of recommendations from ECOWAS Election Observation Missions (EOMs), identifying implementation gaps, and defining targeted actions to strengthen electoral support. Participants also developed a roadmap for the 2025–2027 election cycles, outlining key activities, projected missions, timelines, and mechanisms for partner collaboration.
The meeting served as a platform to strengthen coordination, refine strategic planning, and align efforts toward credible and transparent elections across ECOWAS member states. Discussions also examined the evolving regional political landscape and reaffirmed the need to enhance electoral assistance strategies in support of ECOWAS’ commitment to democratic governance. Additionally, GIZ provided insights into its partnership framework to ensure a shared understanding of procedures for joint electoral support initiatives.
Key outcomes of the meeting included the finalisation of a jointly developed activity plan and an agreement to hold periodic meetings to review implementation timelines and identify additional areas for support.
Author: Amy Gukas
