Omanghana
Charlotte Kesson-Smith, widely known as Charlotte Osei, has been appointed as the Acting Executive Director of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA).
The appointment was announced by the organization’s Board of Directors and took effect on July 1, 2026.
Charlotte Osei assumes the leadership role after serving as a member of the EISA Board, bringing decades of experience in election management, democratic governance, and civic education to the pan-African institution.
Takes Over Leadership from Baïdessou Soukolgué
Osei succeeds Baïdessou Soukolgué of Chad, whose tenure as Executive Director officially ended on June 30, 2026.
According to EISA, she will lead the organization in an acting capacity while the Board undertakes a recruitment process to appoint a substantive Executive Director.
The Board expressed confidence in her ability to provide strategic leadership during the transition period.
EISA Marks Three Decades of Democratic Support
Founded more than 30 years ago, the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa is one of the continent’s leading non-profit organizations dedicated to strengthening democracy.
The institution works with governments, electoral management bodies, civil society organizations, and regional institutions to promote:
- Credible and transparent elections
- Democratic governance
- Citizen participation
- Constitutionalism and the rule of law
- Peaceful political processes across Africa
Over the years, EISA has supported electoral reforms and democratic development initiatives in numerous African countries.
A Distinguished Career in Electoral Governance
In announcing the appointment, the EISA Board highlighted Charlotte Osei’s extensive experience in electoral administration and governance.
First Female Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission
Charlotte Osei made history when she became the first woman to serve as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, a position she held from 2015 to 2018.
During her tenure, she oversaw Ghana’s widely praised 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections, which received recognition for their credibility and peaceful conduct.
Former Head of the National Commission for Civic Education
Before leading the Electoral Commission, Osei served as Chairperson of Ghana’s National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), where she played a key role in promoting civic awareness, democratic participation, and constitutional education.
Continental and International Leadership
Her influence extends beyond Ghana.
Charlotte Osei became the first woman to lead the African Association of Election Authorities, reinforcing her reputation as one of Africa’s leading election management experts.
In 2019, she was appointed by the United Nations to serve as an International Elections Commissioner in Afghanistan, contributing to international efforts aimed at strengthening electoral processes.
Charlotte Osei Reacts to Appointment
Reacting to her appointment on social media, Charlotte Osei expressed gratitude to the EISA Board for the confidence placed in her.
She said she was deeply honored to serve the organization and looked forward to working closely with staff, partners, and stakeholders to build on EISA’s long-standing contribution to democratic governance across the continent.
Looking Ahead
As Acting Executive Director, Charlotte Osei is expected to oversee EISA’s ongoing program while supporting the organization’s mission of advancing democratic institutions and credible elections throughout Africa.
Her appointment comes at a time when many African countries are preparing for important electoral processes, placing EISA at the center of efforts to promote peaceful, transparent, and inclusive democracy across the continent.
Source: Omanghana
