A-WEB, the Association of World Election Bodies, is a global network of election management bodies dedicated to promoting free, fair, and transparent elections. Comprising 121 member EMBs from 111 countries, A-WEB works to support and strengthen electoral democracy worldwide by fostering cooperation among election authorities and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices.

The General Assembly is A-WEB's flagship biennial event, where member organizations come together to discuss key issues, share insights, and make strategic decisions for the Association. This gathering serves as a critical platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaborative problem-solving.

The 7th General Assembly will take place on 14 October 2026 in Metro Manila, Philippines, as part of the broader 7th A-WEB General Assembly and International Conference running from 12 to 17 October 2026.

The 7th General Assembly aims to:

• Renew the collective mandate by reaffirming members' shared commitment to A-WEB's mission of promoting free, fair, and credible elections worldwide.
• Ensure institutional continuity and legitimacy by formalizing leadership transitions and inaugurating new members into our governance bodies.
• Foster solidarity among member EMBs by providing a platform for members to share best practices and experiences through the International Conference.
• Chart a shared path forward by endorsing new frameworks and priorities to guide A-WEB's work until the next Assembly.

• Inauguration of the New Chair: Official ceremony to welcome COMELEC of the Philippines as the new Chair of A-WEB.
• Report Presentation: Review of progress and financial reports since the 6th GA and others.
• Approval Items: Key A-WEB governance matters, including the election of the new Vice-Chairperson, the election of Executive Board members to fill the 11 vacant seats (3 for Africa, 3 for the Americas, 4 for Asia, and 1 for Oceania), as well as other matters submitted for the consideration and approval of the General Assembly.
• Discussion Items: Strategic discussions on trends, challenges, and innovations in electoral management, including new frameworks and policies to strengthen the Association's work for the upcoming term.

※ The agenda booklet file for the 7th General Assembly will be circulated to all member EMBs in mid-September, approximately one month before the meeting.

Member Election Management Bodies of A-WEB. The GA will gather more than 150 delegates from A-WEB member organizations, including heads of election management bodies, senior officials, and key stakeholders in electoral democracy.

While Question 4 covers what the Assembly accomplishes for A-WEB as a whole, attending in person delivers concrete value for your organization specifically:

• Vote and Elect Leadership: Cast your organization's vote for the new Vice-Chairperson and Executive Board members who will steer A-WEB's work for the next term.
• Shape the Outcomes: Weigh in directly on the strategic plans, frameworks, and policies being discussed and approved.
• Build Direct Relationships: Connect face-to-face with fellow EMBs, exchange practical experience, and form partnerships that continue well beyond the Assembly itself.
• Represent Your Institution: Ensure your organization's perspective is reflected in A-WEB's direction, while gaining firsthand insight into emerging trends and innovations in electoral management.

• Active participation in the GA reinforces an organization's commitment to A-WEB's mission.
• Strengthens Influence: Enhances the organization's ability to influence key decisions and policies.
• Promotes Visibility: Increases visibility and involvement in A-WEB's activities and initiatives.
• Builds Credibility: Demonstrates a commitment to global electoral democracy and collaboration with other EMBs.

• 13 October (Tuesday): Arrival of all A-WEB Members
• 14 October (Wednesday): 7th General Assembly Meeting
• 15 October (Thursday): International Conference
• 16 October (Friday): Cultural Day
• 17 October (Saturday): Departure of all participants

• Confirm participation and notify the Secretariat.
• Proceed with the visa application process (if required), coordinating with COMELEC's Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) (note see Q24)
• Complete registration.
• Review the Agenda: Familiarize yourself with the agenda and key issues to be discussed and approved.
• Coordinate Representation: Ensure your organization's representatives are well-prepared and informed about the discussions and decisions.

• Submission of Registration Forms: by 11 September 2026
• Submission of Flight Itineraries: by 2 October 2026
• Event Dates: 12–17 October 2026
• Arrival of All A-WEB Members: 13 October 2026
• General Assembly Meeting: 14 October 2026
• Departure of All Participants: 17 October 2026

Please complete the enclosed Registration Form and submit it by 11 September 2026. Ensure that you also send your flight itineraries to the A-WEB Secretariat by 2 October 2026, so airport transfers can be arranged.

The Registration Form and Logistics Note are enclosed with the invitation letter sent out on 24 July 2026 by the A-WEB Secretariat. Please review these documents carefully and complete your registration as instructed.

Submissions received after the deadlines may affect the arrangements for airport–hotel transfers and other logistical aspects. It is highly recommended that you complete registration as soon as possible.

Any extension to your stay or any additional representatives will need to be arranged independently, as the hosts will only cover accommodation and local transportation for two representatives per EMB.

Notify the A-WEB Secretariat as soon as possible with your updated flight information so that transportation arrangements can be adjusted accordingly.

Participants are advised to check with their local health authorities and the Philippine embassy regarding any vaccination or health requirements prior to travel. Vaccination fees, if required, are borne by the participant.

• General Assembly and International Conference: Business Casual
• Cultural Day: Comfortable attire and footwear
• Cultural Night: Members are encouraged to wear national or traditional attire

The hosts will cover hotel accommodation from 13 to 17 October 2026, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including halal and vegetarian options), and local transportation for the duration of the event, for up to two delegates per member EMB.

Participants are responsible for their own airfare, visa issuance fees (if required), travel insurance, and vaccination fees (if required).

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of some countries can enter the Philippines for short visits without a visa, while others will need to obtain one prior to arrival. A passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay is required regardless of visa status.

To determine whether you need a visa, check the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Consular Affairs website — consular.dfa.gov.ph/visa-faqs and consular.dfa.gov.ph/visa-general-info — or consult your nearest Philippine embassy or consulate. They will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information based on your citizenship.

To attend the General Assembly, you will typically need a Short-Stay (Visitor) Visa or Event Visa. This visa allows you to stay in the Philippines for the duration of the event.

If your nationality is eligible for an e-Visa, you may apply online through the official eVisaPH website: evisa.gov.ph. If you are not eligible for an e-Visa, please coordinate directly with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate to lodge your application, and also notify COMELEC's Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV). Processing is handled by the DFA through its Foreign Service Posts abroad.

Visa processing times vary depending on your nationality and the volume of applications. It is advisable to apply as early as possible, ideally several months before the General Assembly, to allow sufficient time for processing.

If your visa application is denied, you may appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation. Contact the Philippine embassy or consulate, and inform COMELEC's OFOV, for guidance on next steps and possible remedies.

For more details regarding the 7th General Assembly, please contact us at aweb131014@gmail.com. You can also visit our website at www.aweb.org or our Facebook page at facebook.com/thisisAWEB.