Constitutional leadership, accountability and regional coordination.
EHORN is governed through clear constitutional organs that guide decision-making, programme implementation, membership, resource management and country-level coordination across East and the Horn of Africa.
Main governance organs
Council, Coordinating Committee, Secretariat and Country Forums.
How EHORN is organized
EHORN’s constitutional structure provides leadership, oversight, implementation support and member representation.
EHORN Council
The supreme authority of the Network.
Coordinating Committee
Provides supervision and strategic guidance.
Secretariat
Coordinates implementation, records, funds and external affairs.
Country Forums
Coordinate members and activities at country level.
The supreme authority of the Network
The Council provides the highest level of governance and decision-making for EHORN.
Core Mandate
The Council approves the General Programme of Action, receives reports, approves annual reports, decides on new membership and provides overall direction to the Network.
Representation
The Council is composed of representatives from member countries nominated through Country Forums, ensuring regional voice and member participation.
Decision-Making
The Council seeks consensus in decision-making. Where consensus cannot be reached, voting may be used in line with the Constitution.
Strategic supervision and leadership oversight
The Coordinating Committee provides general supervision and control of EHORN activities. It guides the Secretariat on plans, proposals, guidelines and budgets in line with the objectives and direction provided by the Council.
The Committee also reports to the Council, supervises programme implementation, issues policy statements, appoints officers and committee members, and performs other functions assigned by the Council.
Committee Composition
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Treasurer
- Head of Secretariat as Secretary and ex-officio member
Leadership roles and responsibilities
EHORN officers provide representation, leadership, resource mobilization, compliance guidance and continuity in governance.
Chairperson
Presides over meetings, represents EHORN regionally and internationally, serves as official spokesperson, supervises activities and leads fundraising efforts.
Vice Chairperson
Deputizes the Chairperson, performs assigned tasks and may act as Chairperson in case of resignation or incapacity.
Treasurer
Supports fundraising, guides compliance in use of funds and supports financial management in line with best practice and the Constitution.
Secretariat
The Secretariat coordinates the activities of EHORN committees and organs, prepares minutes, maintains records, oversees external affairs, manages funds and supports reporting to the Coordinating Committee and Council.
The Secretariat also executes tasks assigned by the Coordinating Committee and Council.
The Secretariat keeps the Network operational.
The Secretariat plays a central role in turning Council decisions and Coordinating Committee guidance into practical activities, reports, coordination processes and member support.
It is also responsible for external networking and financial reporting for the information of EHORN leadership organs.
Country-level ownership and coordination
Country Forums are established in member countries and bring together non-partisan citizen election observation organizations and institutions that are members of EHORN.
Representation
Country Forums nominate representatives to the EHORN Council.
Coordination
They support, promote and report on EHORN activities in their respective countries.
Member Engagement
They provide a national platform for learning, solidarity, advocacy and coordination among member organizations.
Participation, rights and accountability
EHORN membership is governed by clear qualifications, application procedures, rights, responsibilities and sanctions.
Qualifications
Members should be non-partisan domestic election observation and monitoring organizations within East and the Horn of Africa.
Application
Applicants submit a formal application, governing body resolution and completed application form supported by existing members.
Rights
Members participate in meetings, committees, activities, elections, reports, proposals and Network deliberations.
Responsibilities
Members attend meetings, participate in programmes, share relevant activities and pay annual subscription dues.
Transparent stewardship of Network resources
EHORN resources may include grants, annual subscriptions, donations, sale of publications and lawful contributions from members and partners.
Financial operations are undertaken through the appointed Secretariat, with approval processes involving the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson and Treasurer.
Resource Sources
- Grants
- Annual subscriptions
- Financial donations
- Sale of publications and souvenirs
- Member contributions of time and support
- Other lawful resources
EHORN governance is designed to support regional legitimacy and member ownership.
Through the Council, Coordinating Committee, Secretariat and Country Forums, EHORN combines regional leadership with country-level participation and constitutional accountability.
Explore Membership View Country Forums