Between 1989 and 2013, the African Union (AU) observed 423 elections
in Africa. However, these election observation missions were inconsistent
at best in terms of approach, methodology, framework and status. The first,
which was in Namibia in 1989, was deployed within the framework of the
United Nations (UN) statute in terms of which the UN invited the AU.
The subsequent election observation missions have to date been deployed
either as diplomatic or mediation missions or a combination of diplomatic
and independent technical missions. This article shows that the election
observation journey of the AU has passed through several stages and regimes.
While we recognise the challenges, we also point towards improvement, and
identify the missing links that the AU needs to complete to become a truly
independent actor in its election observation missions.