APRM Programme Activities
Since 2004, EISA has developed an extensive knowledge base regarding the APRM, and has also participated in a number of APR related activities.
2008
According to the core documentation of the APRM, the institution is now up for review after more than five years in existence. With the members of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons also up for replacement in the coming months, now is an opportune moment to take stock of the progress, challenges and lessons learned from the APRM. The Third Annual EISA Symposium, to be held in Maputo, Mozambique, on 21-22 October 2008, is drawing on the experiences and expertise of experts throughout the continent and asks the question What has the visible impact of the APRM been thus far?
The Symposium has become renowned for high quality presentations, vigorous debates and topical publications since it was launched in 2006. This year's event draws on experts from Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Zambia, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Tanzania and other African countries, as well as experts from the multilateral community and donor bodies. A publication of notable papers and issues drawn from the Symposium will be produced and available in 2009.
It is being supported through the partnership of the APRM Secretariat, and Afrimap, with contributions from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Swedish International Development Agency and the Canadian International Development Agency.
2007
- Mozambique National APRM Conference - EISA is providing technical support to the Mozambique MARP Technical Unit and National Forum as that country launches its self assessment process. A national seminar was held in Maputo on 20 - 21 August to deliberate on the APRM implementation.
- The APRM Toolkit for civil society, developed and published by EISA, was launched in August at the Mozambique National APRM Conference.
2006
- EISA conducted a fact-finding mission to Maputo, Mozambique to identify and assess the preparedness and levels of awareness of civil society organizations in Mozambique in relation to the APRM.
General areas of involvement
- Chairing the Southern African Integration Network (SAINET) since September 2004, a partnership between various Southern African regional CSOs seeking to establish more concrete and effective relationships with APRM structures and processes;
- Providing background research and commissioned papers to the APRM secretariat on a request-driven basis, and assisting the secretariat in preparing research and technical publications used to compile country reports;
- Various EISA publications on contemporary and topical issues that relate to the APRM;
- Engaging with the donor community on methods and practices which might optimize the impact of donor involvement in the APRM process at all levels;
- Engaging with SADC political parties on the importance of the APRM in the political context, and developing strategies for enhancing the intervention of these political parties in the process itself;
- Various consultancies and presentations made on request by various organizations.
Expertise and experience
Because of its extensive experience in African elections, EISA is uniquely placed through to assist in the analysis of democratic and political governance (one of the four key pillars in the APRM review). It has been involved in establishing regional networks such as the SADC Electoral Support Network and the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries, and its development and promotion of the PEMMO which has been recognised as a valuable standard for election observation in several SADC states. EISA's expertise has been recognised by the African Union, which invited EISA to assist in drafting the AU Electoral Guidelines and the AU Charter on Elections, Democracy and Governance. EISA remains committed to the process of learning and expanding its understanding of the APRM, and sharing this knowledge with its diverse networks throughout Southern Africa.
