Chairperson of South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission and SADC Electoral Commissions Forum President, Advocate Pansy Tlakula
United Nations Development Programme Regional Service Centre Representative in Johannesburg, Mr Ernest Fausther
Chairpersons, Members of Electoral Commission and Directors of Elections
Leaders of Armed Forces in Southern and East Africa
Members of the Judiciary from Southern and East Africa
Members of the Prosecuting Authorities represented at this conference
Leaders of Inter-governmental and Multilateral Organisations
Leaders of Civil Society Organisations
Members of the Media
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is an honour to us as the government of the Republic of South Africa to address this august gathering.
This conference, taking place at a time when our country is hosting the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), confirms our belief that regional and international cooperation is the only cornerstone upon which we can build flourishing democracies.
We commend your presence this morning, as selfless and committed servants of the people who want to ensure that the integrity and security of our region, and the entire continent is guaranteed. What we have before us is a challenge around Africa’s instability, threat to democracy and lack of lasting peace.
Introduction
Ours was long and protracted struggle for freedom and democracy. The spearhead of that struggle was the movement of the people that will be turning 100 years in exactly one month from today, the African National Congress. All of you are invited.
On the 23rd September 2011 the UN Secretary General Ban Kin Moon said: “The ANC is more than a political party. It is a movement – and a tangible expression of a vision. The commitment and sacrifice of its members led to the emancipation of a nation from racist colonial rule.”
Further, the African Union (AU) took a resolution earlier this year urging member states to view ANC Centenary Celebration as an African event and undertake activities in solidarity with South Africa.
Our approach to democracy is underpinned by our commitment to, and active promotion of, the African renaissance: the rebirth of a continent that has for far too long been the object of exploitation and plunder.
It recognises in the first instance the difficulties brought on the continent by years of colonialism and unjust international relations, including the debt crisis, underdevelopment, social dislocation, and in some instances untenable political relations underpinned by forms of government that imperialism encouraged for its own selfish interests. However, the essence of our approach is not to mourn this treacherous past; but to find solutions to a complex reality.
In the conditions of Africa, to speak of democracy outside the economic and social development, it will be hollow. Coming of democracy, the people of the continent must see and feel change in their lives.
Conditions for deepening of democracy
- Understanding the social conditions that prevail in the continent. The democracy that Africans seek to build must be underpinned by the mobilisation of the people of Africa to take their destiny into their own hands: in the definition and consolidation of democratic systems of government in which the people play an active role, in attaining rapid economic growth that is based on meeting the basic needs of the people, in widening and deepening the scope of economic, political and social integration on the continent, and in joint efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts within and among African nations.
- Africa's rebirth requires that leaders and governments recognise, and indeed act to bring to the fore, the centrality of individual citizens and communities, workers, peasants, professionals, the business people and others in shaping the future of the continent.
- The democratisation programme must ensure that all eligible citizens are afforded equal treatment irrespective of race, colour or creed.
- It also requires that the character, content and programmes of democratisation are infused with a gender-sensitive perspective. Their ability to understand the wrongs of the colonial past, but indeed, to also acknowledge and correct weaknesses in the present and in themselves, should be nurtured.
- The governments must commit themselves to the fundamental provisions of the basic law of the land, which accords with its own vision of a democratic and just society. It must implement both the letter and the spirit of the constitution, including such principles as multi-party democracy, the doctrine and practice of separation of powers in a constitutional state, fundamental human rights to all citizens, respect for the rights of linguistic, religious and cultural communities, and social equity within the context of correcting the historical injustices of colonialism.
- There must be continuing work to improve the legitimacy of the democratic state, encourage national identity and the role of the state as an instrument of social cohesion. Informed by this legitimacy, the state will also ensure that its collective national authority as regulator of social relations is respected, in the context of rule of law.
- While encouraging individual initiative, drive and entrepreneurship, we shall also promote appreciation of the responsibility on the part of those who command political, social, material and other forms of power towards poor and vulnerable sectors of society. In this regard, we will fight against all manifestations of racism, super-exploitation, patriarchy, ethnic chauvinism, religious and political intolerance, and abuse of women and children; discourage greed and the arrogant display of wealth; and campaign against the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
- Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to the strengthening of the democratisation project in the interest of the poor. We are moved in this regard by the conviction that, as long as injustice, poverty and conflict exist anywhere on the continent, so long will humanity find within itself the individuals, movements and governments to co-operate in their eradication. Our government is a proud part of these forces for peace and social progress.
Building of institutions that support democracy
To the people deliberate and consistent message must be communicated to the citizens that one of the key functions of any election is as a means of political accountability.
Elected politicians must eventually seek a fresh mandate from their electorate. They stand for re-election on the basis of past performance in office (or opposition) and put forward a manifesto that carries details of policy proposals for the next period of government. In this sense, elections are vital in conferring political legitimacy to democratic organisations. Therefore competition is part of the game.
Parliaments: The governments must consistently improve the role played by legislative organs of government as tribunes of the people, and as platforms to monitor and advance the programme of change.
Judiciary: The democratisation of the judiciary and the consolidation of its legitimacy is critical in a constitutional democracy. Informed by the doctrine of separation of powers, the governments must encourage mutual respect among the three arms of the state - the legislature, the executive and the Judiciary.
Electoral Commissions: the establishment and function of this important institution must be enshrined in the Constitution of a democratic country. Amongst other they must be given authority to oversee the elections and conduct them in a fair, transparent and with integrity. In most cases the degeneration of a country rests with this kind of institution.
Political parties: They can play a key role in pivotal moments of a state's development and moving society in the correct path. Major parties generally represent different ideologies, which are coherent sets of ideas about the role of government and the organisation of society.
Civil society: Civil society is critical in keeping members of society informed and mobilised. It also helps in strengthening institutions that are responsible to ensure the flourishing of democracy. They also ensure that citizens know their rights and are also central to any democratic arrangement. The work of these bodies and other democracy institutions are designed not only to promote responsiveness and accountability but, above all, to ensure that citizens can enjoy their democratic rights to the full.
Conclusion
Our transition to democracy and peace is an element of a dynamic political process of a world redefining itself with the end of the Cold War.
A new epoch has dawned, presenting the continent with the wherewithal to realise the ideals and aspirations of the generation which set it up when the final destination was but a phantom beyond the horizon; of the militant and brave warriors who sacrificed their lives in the face of an enemy that seemed invincible; and of the mass of the people who put their trust in the organisations that championed their causes in the face of brutal repression.
The struggle and sacrifices of the people over the past centuries have presented our generation with the unique opportunity to take Africa into the future with the overwhelming majority of its people organised, mobilised and united around a programme of social transformation, premised on democratic majority rule.
We call upon all African patriots to join us in this march to a better future. We are keenly aware that it will take time to realise the strategic objective of a fully democratic and non-sexist Africa. But the foundation has been laid, and the building has begun.
I thank you.
