7 Chapter 6 Democratic Institutions Article 14 1. State Parties shall strengthen and institutionalize constitutional civilian control over the armed and security forces to ensure the consolidation of democracy and constitutional order. 2. State Parties shall take legislative and regulatory measures to ensure that those who attempt to remove an elected government through unconstitutional means are dealt with in accordance with the law. 3. State Parties shall cooperate with each other to ensure that those who attempt to remove an elected government through unconstitutional means are dealt with in accordance with the law. Article 15 1. State Parties shall establish public institutions that promote and support democracy and constitutional order. 2. State Parties shall ensure that the independence or autonomy of the said institutions is guaranteed by the constitution. 3. State Parties shall ensure that these institutions are accountable to competent national organs. 4. State Parties shall provide the above-mentioned institutions with resources to perform their assigned missions efficiently and effectively. Article 16 State Parties shall cooperate at regional and continental levels in building and consolidating democracy through exchange of experiences. Chapter 7 Democratic Elections Article 17 State Parties re-affirm their commitment to regularly holding transparent, free and fair elections in accordance with the Union’s Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa.