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Good Governance in Electoral Processes: Challenges and Solutions

This presentation highlights the importance of good governance in electoral processes and the challenges faced in Africa. It examines examples of bad governance, the quality and integrity of elections, and the role of various stakeholders. It concludes by emphasizing the need for professional and integrity-driven Electoral Commissions and a commitment to respect the will of the people.

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Good Governance in Electoral Processes: Challenges and Solutions

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  1. Presentation to the Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk OfficersEast London TERRY TSELANE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN ELECTORAL INSTITUTE OF ELECTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN AFRICA

  2. INTRODUCTION • A lot has been written about good governance • Not much attention has been given to good governance in Electoral Processes • Violence and dictatorship has made the world focus more on peace stability than good governance in the continent • Africa has inherited a very bad system • Good governance is about the quality and detail

  3. The European Label of governance excellence by a committee of Ministers of Europe in 2008 developed good governance principals • Fair conduct of Elections, representation and participation • Responsiveness • Efficiency and effectiveness • Rule of law • Ethical Conduct

  4. Competence and Capacity • Innovation and openness to change • Sustainability and long term orientation • Sound financial management • Human Rights, cultural diversity • Accountability • Conduct of Public affairs and management of Public resources

  5. Governance in Africa • Replete with examples of bad governance • History of colonialism and cold war gave birth to one party states and dictatorship • The liberation struggle and user ping power through a barrel of a gun did not help the situation • Many liberation movements and parties that came into power felt vulnerable and became intolerant to dissent and opposition

  6. Even though we have had 50 out of 54 African countries being regarded as democratic the ruling parties and the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) have been guilty of mismanagement and non adherence to good governance principles • There is however progress but not sufficient

  7. REJECTION OF ELECTION RESULTS • Kenya • Leader of opposition RailaOdinga rejects the election results, calling them fake • 24 people die • The supreme court nullify the results due to non compliance with the law and lack of verification • 40 883 voting stations without 34A Forms • 290 Constituencies without 34B Forms

  8. The Gambia 2016 • YahyaJammeh concedes defeat but then retracts • Blames the Commission for irregularities • Offices of the Commission are blockaded • Interaction by Economic Community of West African States • Adama Barrow is declared a winner

  9. Gabon • Ali Bongo wins with 49,50% • Jean Ping rejects the results • He blames vote rigging • 7 people die • Constitutional court validates Bongo as a legitimate leader

  10. Congo • Denis Sasson – Nguesso is re-elected with 60% • 5 opposition parties reject the results • They allege irregularities in the sense that voter’s roll was published late and that it contained the names of dead people

  11. Ghana 2016 • Abu Ramadan takes the commission to court • Voter’s call irregularities:- • Deceased people • Under age • Usage of National Health Insurance card

  12. RSA 2015 • David Kham takes the Commission to court • Irregularities in voter’s roll • Late submission of the voter’s roll to parties • No addresses on the voter’s roll • IEC did not ensure that only eligible voter’s vote

  13. Elements Determining the Quality and Integrity of Elections • The Quality of the voter’s roll. • Only eligible voters • Must be current • Be accessible to interested parties and stakeholders • Framework to object to ineligible people

  14. Quality of Logistics • Right quantity of materials • Materials at the right place at the right time • Security of materials

  15. Quality of the Electoral Staff • Recruitment must be transparent • Must be impartial • Well trained • Act with integrity • Basic understanding of the legislative framework

  16. The Political Environment • Appointment of Commissioners • Environment conducive to Free and Fair Elections • Free Political Activity • Free Press • Access to Media by Political Parties • Security of voters

  17. Where to from here • Ratification and implementation of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. • Representative systems of government with separation of powers between them • Promote democracy, rule of law and basic human rights • Ensure democratic rule and constitutional changes of power through Free, Fair and Transparent Elections • Respect ethnic, cultural and religious diversity

  18. Strengthen Election Observation systems. • Electoral process is a joint responsibility • Media • Political Parties and Leaders • Electorate • Civil Society • Electoral Commission • International Community

  19. CONCLUSION • Focus must be more on quality of elections • Those seeking political office must respect the will of the people • The Electoral Commissions must run the elections with Professionalism and Integrity • Introduce a carrot and stick for those holding political office

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