Southern African leaders unanimously adopted the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections during the Summit held in Grand Baie, Mauritius, in August.

The Guidelines are in line with the organisation’s Treaty, which commits member states to “promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions which are democratic, legitimate and effective.”

The electoral guidelines are within the framework of the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and its implementation framework, the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO).

The guidelines outline standards for conducting democratic elections. The mandate and constitution of the SADC Observer Mission is also laid out in addition to guidelines for the observation of elections. A Code of Conduct outlines the rights and responsibilities of SADC election observers. The guidelines also lay down the responsibilities of the member state holding the elections.

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