NOTING that many countries on the continent are embracing multi-party systems of government and other political and economic reforms, making it increasingly imperative that the objectives and principles set out in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance should be respected and implemented; DEEPLY CONCERNED by the resurgence of electoral fraud, unconstitutional changes of government and violence related to the electoral irregularities, and violence that have led to enormous loss of lives, as well as the intransigence of incumbent regimes to relinquish power in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa; BEARING IN MIND that presidential elections are due in Benin, Cameroon, Chad, The Gambia, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Niger , Zambia and Zimbabwe; CONDEMNS the unconstitutional changes of government which undermine the progress made in the democratization process on the continent and constitutes a threat to peace and security in Africa; FURTHER CONDEMNS the irregularities surrounding electoral processes that can lead to the breakdown of democracy; DEPLORES the new trends in the development of national unity governments, which in some cases, legitimise undemocratic elections and paralyze political life; URGES States Parties to ratify the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and to respect its provisions and especially: • • • • • Recognize the right of existence of various political parties and the right to a pluralist democracy in accordance with international protection of human rights instruments; Ensure the independence of the body responsible for the management of elections before, during and after the holding of any election; Take necessary measures to enable courts to respond independently to the right to justice and reparation for victims of violence related to elections; Ensure the independence of the judiciary bodies responsible for monitoring the legality of electoral processes; Ensure that they create conditions conducive for free, fair, transparent, democratic and credible elections, and that contesting parties in particular, opposition parties are given equitable access to state controlled media and resources. 2