Practice Directions’, to solicit the opinion of the African Union Commission and the African Institute for International Law on the question as to whether the African Charter on Democracy is a human rights instrument within the meaning of Article 3 of the Protocol. 29.The two institutions transmitted their opinions on 29 October 2015 and 7 January 2016, respectively. 30.On 8 January 2016, the Registry notified the Parties of the closure of written procedure and of the date set for a Public Hearing. 31.0n 8 February observations 2016, in the which it Respondent raised State objections filed, to out the of time, additional admissibility of the Application. After deliberation, the Court decided to accept the observations, in the interest of justice. 32.On 15 February 2016, the Registry transmitted the Respondent State’s observations to the Applicant and invited the latter to file its observations. 33.0n 18 May 2016, that the NGO, the Registry obtained from the Commission APDH, indeed has Observer Status before confirmation it, in accordance with Article 5 (3) of the Protocol. 34.On 3 March 2016, the Court had a Public Hearing during which the Judges heard the oral pleadings of the Parties: For the Applicant: Mr. Guizo Bernard TAKORE, President, APDH Judicial Committee. ‘The Court on its own motion may invite an individual or organization to act as amicus curiae in a particular matter pending before it.