EMBs and Electoral Observer Organisations: Fostering Credible Elections Sustainable Electoral Processes, Strengthened Democracy- Seoul, October 2013

Overview The symbolism of elections Elections & Democracy Elections and Legitimacy Civil Society and Democracy Suggested areas of EMB/EOO Collaboration

South Africa at Birth: 1994 Voting Station Queue

Elections and Democracy Ballot vs Bullet debate settled; In the African Continent, high prevalence of Coups de tat from the early 1960s to late 1980s; Prevalence of one-party states in the same period; Decline in coups since 1990; Entrenchment of multi-party elections post 1990; Link between elections and legitimacy now firmly established.

Elections and Legitimacy Elections not equal to legitimacy; Not just any elections but credible elections; Lack of credibility =major negative consequences; Ethiopia 2005 Kenya 2005 Credible elections = legitimacy.

…Elections and Legitimacy Drivers of credible elections; Legal Frameworks and Codes of Conduct; Citizen rights to vote and be elected; Fair and transparent procedures; Free electoral environments enabling free participation; (International Election Standards) High ethical standards and credibility of the EMB.

Civil Society and Democracy Civil society has played a critical role in various ways globally; In Malawi, the Pastoral letter of 1992 played a seminal role in kick-starting a move from one-party to multi-party dispensation; In elections, international, regional and domestic groups play critical and complementary roles; Domestic Observers particularly critical as they can monitor and evaluate the whole electoral cycle.

...Civil Society and Democracy For improved EMB/Election Observer Organisation Relations: Acknowledge EOO public purpose Broadening ownership of electoral processes beyond EMB and political contestants; Promoting elections as the only tool of deciding who should govern; Promoting the credibility of elections. Acknowledge how EO has become systematised and more reliable.

Areas of Collaboration Knowledge Sharing; Communicating on critical matters that may effect the election; Active engagement for input into proposed legal framework changes in between elections; Institutionalise the processing of Observer Mission Reports within the EMB; Encourage high standards of training for observers.

Electoral Cycle (source: www.idea.int)