A regional platform for citizen election observation, solidarity and democratic accountability.
The East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network brings together non-partisan citizen election observation and monitoring organizations working to promote democratic, credible and peaceful electoral processes across the region.
EHORN is the regional home for non-partisan citizen election observation in East and the Horn of Africa.
E-HORN was established and inaugurated in 2013 during a meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by representatives from countries in East and the Horn of Africa. The Network was created as a platform for solidarity, experience sharing and coordination among citizen election observation groups.
Its creation was inspired by the global movement of domestic election observers and the Declaration of Global Principles for Non-Partisan Election Observation and Monitoring by Citizen Organizations. Since then, EHORN has served as a platform for networking, peer learning, technical support and regional engagement on electoral integrity.
The Network is anchored in the conviction that credible elections require organized citizens, professional observation, accountable institutions, inclusive participation and sustained follow-up beyond election day.
Guided by democratic practice and peaceful electoral processes
EHORN’s strategic identity reflects its role as a regional network for strengthening citizen observation and democratic accountability.
Vision
EHORN envisions democratic electoral processes and practices in the East and Horn of Africa Region.
Mission
To promote democratic and peaceful electoral processes through strengthening non-partisan citizen observation and monitoring groups in the East and Horn of Africa Region.
From regional idea to an institutionalized network
EHORN has evolved from a loosely arranged regional platform into a more structured and legally anchored network with a permanent Secretariat and strategic direction.
Global inspiration
The establishment of GNDEM and the Declaration of Global Principles for Non-Partisan Election Observation inspired the creation of regional citizen observer platforms.
EHORN established in Nairobi
Citizen election observation groups from the region came together with a shared vision of creating a regional network for solidarity, coordination and experience sharing.
Permanent Secretariat and headquarters
During the Elections Watch Conference in Kenya, ELOG was elected as the permanent Secretariat and Nairobi was approved as EHORN’s permanent headquarters.
Legal registration and strategic plan
EHORN’s legal status and operations were anchored in Kenya under the NGO Coordination Act, and the Strategic Plan 2024–2028 was developed to guide the Network’s next phase.
Built on regional experience and citizen observer solidarity
EHORN’s founding members were drawn from citizen election observation groups and institutions across the East and Horn of Africa region.
Uganda
Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda – CCEDU.
South Sudan
South Sudanese Network for Democracy and Elections – SSuNDE.
Sudan
Sudanese Group for Democracy and Elections – SuGDE.
Tanzania
Tanzania Election Monitoring Committee – TEMCO.
Kenya
Kenya Human Rights Commission – KHRC.
Kenya
Elections Observation Group – ELOG.
Research, capacity strengthening and partnership
EHORN’s objectives guide its regional programme work, advocacy, membership support and institutional development.
Research and Advocacy
Research and advocate for electoral standards and practices in the region based on international and regional standards.
Capacity Strengthening
Strengthen the capacity of member organizations to observe and monitor elections in their respective countries.
Solidarity and Partnership
Enhance solidarity and partnership among network members to support democratic elections in East and the Horn of Africa.
The principles that shape EHORN’s work
EHORN’s work is guided by the values that support credible citizen observation, ethical leadership and regional cooperation.
Election observation is central to democratic resilience in the region.
The East and Horn of Africa region faces complex electoral challenges including shrinking civic space, electoral insecurity, disinformation, political polarization, commercialization of politics, technology-related risks and pressure on independent institutions.
EHORN responds by building a regional community of practice that can detect, document and deter electoral malpractice while promoting citizen participation, policy advocacy and governmental accountability.
EHORN’s Regional Role
- Strengthening citizen observation capacity
- Supporting Country Forums and peer learning
- Promoting democratic electoral standards
- Advancing evidence-based advocacy
- Building regional solidarity among observer groups
- Improving knowledge sharing and electoral research
EHORN is entering a new phase of institutional growth.
Through its Strategic Plan 2024–2028, EHORN is positioning itself as a model election observation network for East and the Horn of Africa.
Read the Strategic Plan