EISA- Support to Mozambique electoral process 2018/2019

Overall the program has, despite challenges, made some important progress such as influenced the improvement of the knowledge and awareness among political parties, electoral management bodies and the judiciary over the rules of the game associated with the 2018/2019 electoral processes. The role of civic engagement has been consolidated by increasing voice around critical issues involving elections. Electoral laws A direct effect of the intervention is the change in electoral laws. A new decentralisation legal framework came into effect devolving powers to the local level where voters are now able to elect their representatives directly through the ballot. Of particular relevance, for the first time voters elected their provincial governors. The change in electoral laws made it possible for future election of district administrators. Party capacity The 2018 municipal election was a more competitive election with opposition performing significantly better, and political parties improved their knowledge about the electoral law, and the awareness over the relevance of observing the electoral dispute resolution mechanisms. However, the parties have been weak in terms of improving their role in the parliament, even more in terms of governance and policy debate. Management of the electoral process EISA has published different policy briefs analyzing the electoral system and processes which was useful for broader sharing of views and relevant as part of the effort of promoting the necessary changes required from the electoral management bodies. Despite trainings and discussions with the electoral management body on the topic of integrity of elections the body have however remained weak and unable to secure transparency and integrity of the 2018/2019 electoral processes. EISA's consortium deployed the largest number of electoral observers during the 2018/2019 electoral processes and covered the whole phases of the electoral process, to ensure more credible monitoring and observation, and provides to the electoral authority timely relevant recommendations for improvements. One challenge was the accreditation of electoral observers. Civil society The programme made a substantial contribution to the strengthening of civic engagement in the 2018/2019 electoral processes by contributing to a strong and improved quality of civil society election monitoring and observation, which was at large supported by technological tools to ensure efficiency. An electoral platform called "Electoral Transparency Platform - ETP" was created, which included not only civil society organizations but also the electoral management bodies, political parties, and representatives of the judiciary. The role of CSOs has been significantly important and with the support of EISA, for the first time, CSOs carried out full observation, covering all phases of the electoral process. However, the ability of political parties to participate in elections, mobilize and organize themselves for an effective and consistent capacity to monitor the ballot boxes remains a major challenge. Gender The Cooperation partner organised training for political parties (represented in in parliament), covering different topics ranging from gender equality, representation of women in parliament as well as women and democracy. This inspired political parties to select women along side men in their internal electoral processes leading to the general elections in 2019. As a result, by the end of 2019 more women were elected into parliament. Youth The trainings also aimed to help political parties to structure themselves better and to be more inclusive to different sectors of the society. The narrative report submitted by EISA highlights that in 2019 political parties included more young people (persons below 35) in their meetings, meaning progress in terms of youth involvement in democratic processes through political participation. Media As a result of the intervention the media has published opinions with more analysis of Constitutional provisions and other legal instruments applicable during elections. This was a positive step in a context where previous publications made little reference to the law, if any at all. EISA has also been instrumental in writing opinion pieces for the media. Although unintended, the overall result was increased public awareness or education about the electoral laws and the electoral process.

The objective of the program was a more credible 2018/2019 electoral process through improved engagement of electoral stakeholders in the process. The objectives was to be achieved through an effective role played by political parties in governance and election monitoring, an improved legal and institutional framework for elections, and stronger civic engagement in the electoral process.