African Union Deploys Election Observation Mission to Republic of Congo Ahead of March 15 Vote

Addis Ababa, March 13, 2026 (FMC) — The African Union Commission has announced the arrival of its Election Observation Mission (EOM) in the Republic of the Congo ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The mission was deployed at the invitation of the government to observe and assess the conduct of the electoral process. It was established following approval by the Commission’s leadership on the recommendation of the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

The short‑term mission is led by former President Nana Akufo‑Addo of Ghana and includes 34 short‑term observers from 20 African countries. The delegation comprises ambassadors accredited to the African Union in Addis Ababa, members of the Pan‑African Parliament, representatives of African election management bodies, civil society organisations, and youth groups.

Observers will assess the electoral process against the legal framework governing elections in the Republic of Congo, the African Union Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections, and the standards set forth in the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

The mission will engage with key electoral stakeholders as part of its mandate and collaborate with other international election observation missions, technical partners, and financial partners present in the country.

A preliminary statement with initial findings and recommendations is expected on March 17, 2026, shortly after election day. A final comprehensive report will be published within one month of the official announcement of the final election results.

The mission’s headquarters are based at the Hilton Hotel in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.