1. What is PEPSA?
Pre-conditions for Elections Programme in Southern Africa
Started in August 2004
Elections as a site of democratic consolidation
Role of media – especially state media

2. Partners involved in starting PEPSA
MISA
EISA
OSISA
NIZA
HIVOS
Opportunity for others interested in electoral issues to join

3. Organisation of PEPSA
Steering Committee made up of the 5 organisations – rotating chairing
- coordinating policy and implementation
Team of 3 exerts – Electoral processes and systems, Media and CSOs
Focus countries – 5 currently: Angola, DRC, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe (possibility of more countries)
Focus country expert consultants
14/11/2018

4. PEPSA objectives
Support and enhance current initiatives and processes; no duplication of existing ones
Provide opportunities for learning and solidarity across the region
Support sharing of experiences, learning and analysis of electoral models and systems; how these enhance or hinder participation
Support other advocacy strategies that defend and enhance citizen participation and public engagement
14/11/2018

5. Main Elements of PEPSA
Monitoring of electoral processes in SADC to see to what extend these meet commitments; especially SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections – August 2004
Annual Observatory conference – Analysis tool
Annual Publication – Outside the Ballot Box
Realization of the shortcomings of SADC principles; need for campaign for accetance of other guidelines like SADC PF Norms and Standards (2001); Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation of Elections developed by EISA / ECF (2003)
14/11/2018

6. PEPSA in 2005 Publication – Outside the Ballot Box
Write up on countries that held elections in 2004: Malawi; South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique
And those serious challenges planning future elections: Zimbabwe, Angola and DRC
Observatory conference discuss analysis tool and its implementation
Discussion on issue of harmonisation of various regional principles and guidelines – SADC, SADC PF, EISA/ECF

7. Where is PEPSA now? Focus country programmes
Involvement of in-country networks:
- very active in Angola, DRC and Mozambique
- less active in Swaziland and Zimbabwe
Fund raising for in-country programmes

8. PEPSA cycle

9. Conclusion
Everyone and every organisation can be part of PEPSA
PEPSA is about governance
It is about democratic development and consolidation
It is about increasing political literacy of the citizenry
It is about making our votes count
THANK YOU