55. The
does
Institute states in conclusion that, in view of the aforesaid, a State which
not honour
Democracy
its obligations
under Article
is in breach of several human
17 of the African
Charter on
rights including the individual right
of everyone to freely participate in the public affairs of his/her country and the
collective right to self-determination.
56.The
Court takes note of the observations
of the African
Union
Commission
and the African Institute for International Law.
57. The Court holds that, in determining whether a Convention is a human rights
instrument,
it is necessary
to refer
in particular
to the
purposes
of such
Convention. Such purposes are reflected either by an express enunciation of
the subjective rights of individuals or groups of individuals, or by mandatory
obligations on State Parties for the consequent enjoyment of the said rights.
58.On
the
express
enunciation
of
subjective
rights,
this
is
illustrated
by
provisions, which directly confer the rights in question.
59.Article 13 (1 and 2) of the Charter on Human Rights provides that:
“41, Every individual shall have the right to participate freely in the
government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen
representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.
2. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public
service of the country”
60.Regarding
the prescription of obligations for States, the Charter on
Human
Rights in its Article 26 stipulates that “State Parties to the present Charter shall
have
the duty
to guarantee
the
independence
of the Courts
and
shall
allow the
establishment and improvement of appropriate national institutions entrusted with the
promotion
and
protection
of the
rights
and
freedoms
guaranteed
by the
Charter”.
Bh
2ot
eo
present