Rabat: Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, is setting a benchmark for African countries in building a robust continental democracy based on transparent elections, according to African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye. Speaking in Rabat during a press briefing coinciding with the 5th edition of the AU Training Cycle for African Election Observers, Adeoye emphasized Morocco’s pivotal role over the past five years in promoting optimal democracy across the continent.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Adeoye highlighted the importance of conducting transparent and credible elections that align with the AU’s Agenda 2063. He discussed the AU’s plans to deploy specialized training missions aimed at the observation of pre-electoral, electoral, and post-electoral phases in various African countries. This initiative, which includes 87 potential election observers from different African states, is part of a broader continental
effort to enhance the credibility and transparency of electoral processes.

Adeoye further mentioned the AU’s commitment to improving their program by co-creating an African Elections Observatory, which will unite experts trained in election observation. This initiative also seeks to establish an African democracy index, providing credible data to media and digital platforms. The index aims to better anticipate challenges related to new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).

He also announced a forthcoming collaboration between the AU and Morocco’s Policy Center for the New South to address challenges associated with the digitalization of democracy, AI, and new technologies. This partnership also aims to bolster youth participation in political life.

Additionally, Adeoye reported discussions with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, focusing on promoting peace, stability, and democracy on the continent, alongside issues of mutual inter
est.

The AU official reaffirmed the Union’s unwavering dedication to fostering peace and democracy in Africa, underscoring the significant roles of youth, women, and civil society as “defenders of democracy.”