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Global Electoral Organisation (GEO)

The late 1980’s and early 1990’s have seen the end of the cold war and democratization wave sweeping throughout several global regions allowing emergence of new democracies. Elections were soon recognized as indispensible to the installation or re-installation, sustenance and consolidation of democracy; with electoral management bodies (EMBs) becoming key institutions in the organization and delivery of elections the world over. Given the critical importance of their mandate and responsibilities; EMBs felt increasing need to learn and share experiences and knowledge. These urges led to formation of the first regional EMB associations. 

The formation of regional EMB networks across the globe soon led to the realization that a space needed to be created where all these associations could come together. In April 1999, Elections Canada, supported by several international organizations, hosted the very first Global Electoral Organisation (GEO) conference in Ottawa, which brought election management practitioners and international electoral experts together. The GEO provided a unique opportunity for these groups to network, exchange ideas and promote initiatives. The success of the first GEO led to subsequent conferences hosted by IFE (Instituto Federal Electoral) in Mexico City (Mexico) in 2003, ACEEEO (Association of European Election Officials) in Siofok (Hungary) in 2005 and IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems) in Washington DC (USA) in 2007.

Throughout the past decade, the GEO has not only become the most prominent global event for election practitioners, but it has grown into one of the biggest democracy forums in the world. 

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