GNDEM
GNDEM, with 251 member organizations in 89 countries and territories, and regional network members in Africa, Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East/North Africa, has worked to facilitate and enhance the critical work of citizen election monitors throughout the world.
GNDEM Condemns Further Repression of Civil Society in Uganda Ahead of Elections
The Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) condemns the escalating crackdown on civic and democratic actors in Uganda ahead of the January 15, 2026 elections. The most recent actions included the suspension of GNDEM member the Alliance for Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), as well as other anti-corruption and human rights organizations such as Chapter Four Uganda, Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), National NGO Forum, and National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders. Continue Reading
GNDEM Releases First Ever Report on the Global State of Citizen Observer Rights
The Global Network for Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) is proud to release the first ever “Report on the Global State of Nonpartisan Citizen Election Observers’ Rights.” This study, conducted in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI), draws on the experiences and lessons shared by nonpartisan citizen election monitoring groups worldwide. This research is the first study to document and highlight the global status of nonpartisan citizen observer rights, along with the lessons learned and the concerted efforts needed to ensure that the rights of citizen observers are respected, protected, and promoted. Continue Reading
GNDEM Expresses Serious Concern about Arrest of Leading Uganda Nonpartisan Citizen Observer and GNDEM Chairperson
The Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) expresses its serious concern regarding the arrest of Dr. Sarah Bireete in advance of Uganda upcoming general elections on 15 January 2026. Dr. Bireete is a leading Ugandan nonpartisan citizen observer and respected human rights lawyer who is Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) based in Kampala, Uganda. She also serves as Chair of the GNDEM Board as well as the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-Horn). As of this moment, no clear or credible explanation has been provided by the police or the prosecution regarding the specific legal grounds for her arrest or the charges being considered against her. Nor has she been provided access to legal counsel. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. Continue Reading