SWAKOPMUND – Electoral integrity is indispensable for the nurturing and deepening of democratic and participatory governance in the SADC region as free and fair elections are far from guaranteed in many countries around the world today.
This was highlighted by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni during the 24th annual general conference of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC) underway in Swakopmund.
The conference is attended by electoral commission commissioners of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe under the theme, ‘Stakeholder Engagement and Accountability to Promote Public Trust in Electoral Processes in the SADC Region’.
According to Uutoni, the conference is of great significance, as electoral integrity is central to the credibility of electoral processes and the legitimacy of election outcomes as elections have been known to either strengthen or undermine democracy, human rights, security and development.
“The vision for inclusive democracy and electoral accountability is one that shifts power from political and economic elites to citizens, particularly women and young people. I must, therefore, applaud you all for availing yourselves to serve in this important mission whose objective is to strengthen democracy in our region. It is because of you that this region is a shining light of democracy and a beacon of hope on our continent,” Uutoni said during the opening.
“Citizen participation is paramount for the success of democracy. Elections are important for civic participation as they provide a means for excluded groups to be heard and to influence the political agenda. If the decision-making process excludes the masses, one cannot talk of democracy. For meaningful citizen participation and for the success of democracy, it is necessary that citizens know their roles and duties in a democracy. Therefore, electoral management bodies must continue to make deliberate efforts to engage all electoral stakeholders across the political spectrum,” Uutoni appealed. Also speaking at the same event, justice Barnabas Nyamadzabo, the ECF president said election commissioners face a number of challenges such as managing electoral stakeholders and cost cutting measures. Hence he says the forum will look at best practices as well and seek solutions to address challenges faced by members.
“This theme will not only help us to share experience but will also assist us in sharing best practices to deal with these challenges,” he said.
Caption: (Electoral)