10th Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies kicks off in Sharm El-Sheikh

CAIRO – 6 July 2026: The 10th Continental Forum of African Election Management Bodies (EMBs), hosted by the National Elections Authority (NEA) under the leadership of Judge Hazem Badawi, kicked off on Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The two-day forum, running from July 6 to 7, has brought together heads and members of election bodies, representatives of international and regional organizations, and election management experts from across the continent.

The National Elections Authority has completed all the necessary organizational and logistical preparations to receive the participating delegations. The main conference halls, registration system, simultaneous interpretation facilities, and guest reception areas have all been finalized, ensuring the forum reflects Egypt's leading role in supporting democracy and strengthening African cooperation in the field of election management.

This year's forum is being held under the theme, "Overseas Voting: Progress, Gaps, and Future Prospects." Discussions will focus on mechanisms for developing overseas voting, enhancing the participation of citizens living abroad in elections, reviewing international best practices and comparative experiences, and addressing the legislative, administrative, and logistical challenges associated with organizing voting outside national borders. The forum will also highlight the role of election technology in advancing election management systems.

More than 100 representatives from election bodies, official delegations, and international and regional organizations are participating in the event.

Participants include the African Union Commission, the Association of African Electoral Authorities, the League of Arab States, the United Nations Development Programme, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the European Centre for Electoral Support, along with delegations representing dozens of African countries.

The forum is being held in Egypt in recognition of the National Elections Authority's extensive experience in administering presidential and parliamentary elections, particularly in organizing voting for Egyptians living abroad.

This experience has made the Egyptian model a leading example across the African continent in enabling citizens residing overseas to exercise their constitutional right to political participation.

The forum will feature specialized sessions and in-depth discussions among heads of electoral bodies and election experts, with the aim of exchanging expertise and formulating practical recommendations to help strengthen electoral processes across Africa, enhance their integrity and transparency, and promote the principles of good governance and democracy throughout the continent.