Elections in Southern Africa remain a cornerstone of democratic governance. In 2024, seven SADC countries conducted elections at various levels, prompting extensive observations by Election Observer Missions (EOMs). These EOMs played a critical role and were instrumental in safeguarding democratic norms, ensuring transparency and promoting accountability in electoral processes. EOMs provided recommendations targeted at improving each countries’ electoral governance. The recommendations were contextualised within a framework of national, regional and international commitments to which the countries are bound such as legal instruments, political declarations and good practice.

In light of the EOMs observations the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) prepared this Compendium which serves as a comprehensive compilation of EOMs recommendations. It highlights electoral experiences and insights from Botswana, Comoros, Namibia, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa and Mauritius. The Compendium of EOMs recommendations provides
critical observations on legal, administrative and political areas requiring improvement, thereby fostering the need for continuous enhancement of electoral integrity and effective governance. By illuminating challenges in diverse electoral contexts, this Compendium facilitates consideration of the identified gaps by different bodies within the afore-mentioned countries.

Download: 2024 Compendium of Election Recommendations Observers