Deadline: 28-Jul-2026
The European Commission is offering EUR 770,000 to support civic, political, and media education initiatives in Madagascar ahead of upcoming elections. The programme aims to strengthen electoral integrity, increase citizen participation, and combat misinformation. It focuses on empowering civil society and improving access to reliable information for inclusive and transparent democratic processes.
Overview
The European Commission is inviting proposals to support Madagascar’s electoral reform process through civic education, media strengthening, and democratic participation initiatives.
The programme aligns with broader EU goals of promoting inclusive governance, human rights, and democratic resilience.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The initiative aims to:
- Improve electoral integrity and transparency
- Promote inclusive and non-discriminatory participation
- Strengthen civic and political education
- Enhance media credibility and information access
- Build trust in democratic institutions
Context: Madagascar’s Electoral Reform
This initiative supports Madagascar’s ongoing political transition following the formation of a refoundation government in October 2025.
The country is undergoing reforms related to:
- Electoral governance
- Constitutional development
- National sovereignty
- Organisation of upcoming elections
The programme addresses challenges such as low voter turnout and declining public trust.
Key Focus Areas
1. Civic and Political Education
- Strengthen civil society organisations (CSOs)
- Deliver voter education campaigns
- Promote active citizenship
2. Electoral Education Campaigns
Support awareness for:
- Referendum processes
- Presidential elections
- Legislative elections
- Municipal elections
3. Media and Information Strengthening
- Improve media regulation and monitoring
- Ensure equitable access to information
- Promote responsible journalism
- Enhance media and information literacy
4. Technology and Innovation
- Leverage digital tools for outreach
- Address misinformation and disinformation
- Strengthen information resilience
Funding Details
- Total budget: EUR 770,000
- Grant coverage: 80% – 95% of eligible costs
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
- Non-governmental organisations
- Entities involved in governance, media, or civic education
Key Requirements
- Demonstrate capacity to deliver large-scale projects
- Align with EU and national electoral initiatives
- Show strong coordination with existing programmes
Project Requirements
Proposals must:
- Focus on civic, electoral, or media education
- Promote inclusivity and non-discrimination
- Address misinformation and information gaps
- Demonstrate collaboration with stakeholders
- Deliver measurable and impactful outcomes
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens democratic governance in Madagascar
- Encourages informed citizen participation
- Supports credible and transparent elections
- Builds resilience against misinformation
- Enhances trust in institutions
How It Works / Application Process
Step 1: Develop Proposal
Design a project aligned with electoral reform priorities.
Step 2: Build Partnerships
Collaborate with CSOs, media, and relevant stakeholders.
Step 3: Prepare Application
Include:
- Objectives and activities
- Budget and co-financing plan
- Impact and monitoring framework
Step 4: Submit Application
Apply through the official European Commission funding system.
Step 5: Evaluation
Proposals are assessed on relevance, impact, and feasibility.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased voter awareness and participation
- Strengthened civil society capacity
- Improved access to reliable information
- Enhanced media accountability and professionalism
- Greater public trust in elections
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with electoral reform objectives
- Lack of coordination with existing programmes
- Insufficient focus on inclusivity
- Poorly defined impact indicators
- Unrealistic budgets or timelines
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on measurable democratic impact
- Demonstrate strong partnerships and local engagement
- Address misinformation clearly
- Align with national and EU priorities
- Provide a clear implementation and monitoring plan
FAQs
Who is funding this programme?
The European Commission.
What is the total funding available?
EUR 770,000.
What percentage of costs are covered?
Between 80% and 95% of eligible project costs.
What types of projects are supported?
Civic education, electoral awareness, and media strengthening initiatives.
Who can apply?
Civil society organisations and entities working in governance, media, or civic engagement.
What is the main goal?
To improve electoral integrity and citizen participation in Madagascar.
Why is media literacy important in this programme?
It helps combat misinformation and ensures informed decision-making by citizens.
Conclusion
The European Commission initiative provides a critical opportunity to strengthen democracy in Madagascar. By supporting civic education, media integrity, and inclusive participation, the programme contributes to transparent elections and long-term democratic stability.
For more information, visit European Commission.
