7 ARTICLE 5 COMPOSITION 1. The Peace and Security Council shall be composed of fifteen Members elected on the basis of equal rights, in the following manner: a. ten Members elected for a term of two years; and b. five Members elected for a term of three years in order to ensure continuity. 2. In electing the Members of the Peace and Security Council, the Assembly shall apply the principle of equitable regional representation and rotation, and the following criteria with regard to each prospective Member State: a. commitment to uphold the principles of the Union; b. contribution to the promotion and maintenance of peace and security in Africa – in this respect, experience in peace support operations would be an added advantage; c. capacity and commitment to shoulder the responsibilities entailed in membership; d. participation in conflict resolution, peace-making and peacebuilding at regional and continental levels; e. willingness and ability to take up responsibility for regional and continental conflict resolution initiatives; f. contribution to the Peace Fund and/or Special Fund created for specific purpose; g. respect for constitutional governance, in accordance with the Lomé Declaration, as well as the rule of law and human rights; h. having sufficiently staffed and equipped Permanent Missions at the Headquarters of the Union and the United Nations, to be