Who We Are
We engage with policymakers, election management bodies (EMBs), civil society, and citizens to build governance systems that reflect democratic values and the aspirations of the people. Through rigorous research, engagement with African think tanks, high-level advocacy, strategic partnerships, and institutional capacity building, CAGES works to safeguard democratic norms, ensure electoral justice, and strengthen governance frameworks.
We believe that governance should be inclusive, elections should be credible, and leadership should be accountable to the citizens. Our work is rooted in evidence-based interventions, strategic partnerships, and sustained engagement with policymakers, election management bodies (EMBs), civil society, and the broader citizenry.
Addressing Key Challenges and Opportunities in Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization
We, the members of the Centre for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES), united in our commitment to promoting good governance, democracy, and credible electoral systems across Africa, hereby establish this Constitution to guide our operations, uphold our principles, and achieve our objectives.
CAGES leverages these identified problems and gaps as opportunities for intervention
- How can CAGES effectively address the issue of voter apathy and civic responsibility?
- In what ways can CAGES contribute to enhancing accountability at the county level, particularly concerning the management of public funds and development projects?
- How can CAGES help attain clear institutional independence between the legislature, executive, judiciary, and other civic institutions over electoral management and processes?
We offer a wide range of Strategies
Research to develop sustainable solutions addressing the highlighted issues. The necessity for these solutions to be practical and not overly dependent on policy changes.
The development of innovative strategies that can be implemented within the existing legal and political framework to ensure effectiveness and feasibility when engaging with legislative processes,
Leveraging personal networks to forge strategic partnerships with leading organizations in the industry, advocatIng for a focused complementary approach .
Define a model to engage young and vibrant citizens in meaningful discussions about topics crucial to them, such as public participation and transparent governance.
County Development
Performance scorecard rating system for each county development program
This scorecard should be straightforward, user-friendly, and incorporate targets and milestones approved by the county government, using a color-coded performance index to easily assess the performance index of the county government leadership.
Insights
Electoral Democracy
Many African nations have transitioned from single-party or authoritarian regimes to multiparty democracies, with regular elections now seen as essential for legitimacy and public accountability.
Citizen Engagement
Youth engagement in political processes has grown significantly, with social media playing a major role in mobilizing young voters, raising awareness on electoral issues and accountability.
Economic and Social Accountability
Citizens increasingly judge governments based on tangible outcomes—access to health, education, security, and economic stability to ensure that elected officials deliver on promises.
Team Members
Directors
Amb. Erastus J.O. Mwencha
Co-Chairman, Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES)
Ambassador Erastus J.O. Mwencha is a distinguished leader in African governance, economic integration, and institutional capacity building. As Chairman of the Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES), he brings decades of experience in shaping policies that strengthen democratic institutions, economic cooperation, and electoral integrity across the continent.
Previously, Amb. Mwencha served as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), where he led strategic reforms, spearheaded Agenda 2063 initiatives, and advanced key partnerships with the World Bank, AfDB, and ECA. His tenure at the AUC was marked by transformative policy frameworks that reinforced Africa’s long-term development vision.
Before the AUC, he was Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), where he played a pivotal role in establishing Africa’s first Free Trade Area and represented the region in critical global trade negotiations, including the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the EU and WTO’s Doha Round. His leadership has left an indelible mark on Africa’s economic and governance landscape.
A respected economist and policy expert, Amb. Mwencha previously held senior roles in Kenya’s Ministry of Industry and the Kenyan Industrial Survey and Promotion Centre. He also led the Pro-Peace project in Kenya ahead of the 2022 general elections. He is a graduate of the University of York and remains a key advocate for Africa’s democratic transformation and sustainable development.
Co-Chairman
Mr. Fabio Bargiacchi
Co-Chair, Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES)
Mr. Fabio Bargiacchi is a distinguished expert in democratic governance and electoral support, with over three decades of experience in strengthening electoral institutions and democratic processes worldwide. As the Co-Chair of CAGES, he brings extensive expertise in electoral assistance, institutional capacity building, and fostering transparent and inclusive political systems.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), where he has led electoral assistance initiatives in over 60 countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Through his leadership, ECES has become a globally recognized institution, working alongside organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union to promote credible elections and democratic stability.
Mr. Bargiacchi has pioneered the European Response to Electoral Cycle Support (EURECS) approach, a strategic framework that has transformed electoral support by integrating capacity-building, conflict prevention, and sustainable democratic development. His expertise extends to designing innovative methodologies for electoral assistance, with multiple copyrighted tools that are shaping the future of democratic governance.
At CAGES, he plays a pivotal role in advancing electoral integrity, governance reforms, and multi-stakeholder dialogue, reinforcing Africa’s commitment to credible, peaceful, and inclusive electoral processes. His leadership strengthens CAGES’ mission of fostering democratic resilience across the continent.
Co-Chair
Lt Gen. (Rtd) Adan K. Mulata MGH CBS OGW
Vice Chair, Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES)
Lieutenant General (Rtd) Adan K. Mulata is a distinguished Kenyan military leader with a career spanning over four decades in Kenya Defence Forces, working on peace, and security. He served as the Commandant of Kenya’s National Defence College (NDC), where he was instrumental in shaping strategic military education and fostering international defense collaborations.
Following his retirement in 2022, Lt. Gen. Mulata assumed the role of Executive Chairman at the Prospect Peace Institute-Africa (PPI-Africa), focusing on governance, conflict management, and sustainable development across the continent.
Throughout his service, he has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to national security, including surviving the 1982 coup attempt, where he narrowly escaped execution.
Lt. Gen. Mulata’s extensive experience and dedication continue to contribute significantly to peace and security initiatives in Africa.
Vice Chair
Giovanni Barbera
Treasurer, Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES)
Giovanni Barbera is a seasoned finance and administration professional with extensive experience in operations, logistics, and institutional management. As Treasurer of the Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES), he brings a strategic approach to financial oversight, operational efficiency, and resource management.
With a career spanning over a decade, Giovanni has held key roles in finance, administration, and logistics across international organizations. He served as Deputy Project Coordinator for Operations and Administration, as well as Finance and Administration Manager for the Ethiopia Project, where he played a pivotal role in budget planning, procurement processes, and financial compliance.
For nearly ten years, Giovanni was part of the Bureau of the Deputy Chairperson at the African Union Commission (AUC), where he managed high-level administrative functions, coordinated strategic initiatives, and ensured seamless office operations. His expertise extends to event planning, public relations, expenditure monitoring, and security protocols.
Treasurer
Evans James Misati
Secretary, Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES)
Evans James Misati is a visionary leader, democracy advocate, and a champion for inclusion and equality in Kenya’s political and governance landscape. He has engaged in community development and political leadership spaces, he has played a pivotal role in shaping democratic institutions, and promoting social cohesion, particularly, he has advocated for electoral reforms as the Chairman of PPLC and marched the electorate to advocate for inclusive electoral policies.
With a master’s degree in Project Design, Planning & Management, Evans is the Founder and Executive Director of Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering progressive policies that empower communities and strengthen democratic and inclusive and open electoral policies.
At the national level, he serves as the National Chairman of the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC), a Statutory body mandated to provide a dialogue platform between Elections Managements Body (EMB), Registrar of Political Parties, and Political Parties where he has successfully convened and united political parties to advocate for free and fair elections, promote electoral integrity, and push for IEBC electoral reforms. As the head of Kenya’s only statutory multi-party dialogue platform, he leads efforts to promote free, fair, and transparent elections, enhance stakeholder engagement, and build public trust in the electoral process.
As Secretary of CAGES, Evans brings his deep expertise in governance, political strategy, and electoral systems to advance the organization’s mission of strengthening democracy and institutional accountability across Africa.
Secretary
Anthony K. Okara
Board Member, Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES)
Anthony Okara is a distinguished lawyer, diplomat, and international civil servant with extensive experience in governance, institutional reform, and multilateral engagements across Africa. As a Board Member of the Center for African Governance and Electoral Systems (CAGES), he brings a wealth of expertise in public sector transformation, legal reform, and strategic policy implementation.
Currently serving as an ALMA Special Ambassador and Special Advisor to ECES on the Kenya Pro-Peace Project, Anthony is instrumental in advancing Africa’s fight against malaria through high-level advocacy, policy development, and resource mobilization. He collaborates with the East African Community (EAC), IGAD, ECCAS, and the African Union (AU) to drive impactful regional initiatives.
Previously, Anthony served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the African Union Commission, where he played a key role in institutional reforms, financial governance, and the introduction of results-based management systems. His leadership contributed to overhauling the AU’s regulatory framework, strengthening governance structures, and enhancing operational efficiency.
A seasoned legal expert, he was part of the team that drafted the first East African Community Treaty (1997), played a pivotal role in Kenya’s constitutional review process, and was actively involved in governance, justice, and public sector reforms. As a trusted advisor to Kenya’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, he helped shape critical legal and policy transformations.
Anthony holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and is completing a Master of Arts in International Studies at the University of Nairobi. He is also a graduate of the National Defence College in Nairobi, where he specialized in statecraft and national security.