The Electoral Commission (IEC) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) cordially invite you to a half-day seminar on “Supporting Democratic Elections in Africa: The Role of Policy and Democracy Assistance” to be held on Wednesday, 24 February 2010 at the University of South Africa, Pretoria, from 09h30 to 12h30.
This event will bring together a select group of experts including researchers and practitioners in the field of democracy, governance and elections. The seminar will discuss the challenges Africa faces in the democratisation process in general and in promoting credible elections in particular. Special reference will also be made to the role South Africa has played and continues to play in providing democracy and electoral assistance on the continent.
The seminar will explore appropriate and sustainable strategies, including policy interventions at both national and continental levels, for strengthening democratic elections. The seminar will be informed by recent events on the African continent that impact on the quality of democracy and elections, conflicts, disputed elections, and unconstitutional changes of government, to mention but some.
Speakers and resource persons will be drawn from reputed local institutions, while Dr Brigalia Bam will represent the Electoral Commission and International IDEA will be represented by its Secretary-General, Mr Vidar Helgesen.
Date: Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Time: 09h00 to 12h30
Venue: Kopanong hall, room 24, 10th floor, Theo Van Wijk Building, University of South Africa (UNISA) main campus
Parking
First parking area: Goldfields parking area (when you enter the campus, the first parking area on your left)
Second parking: P1 (when you enter the campus, there’s a small gate on your right and that is the entrance to P1)
Please find the draft programme below, the profile of Mr Helgesen and a map attached.
Draft programme:
Chairperson: Ambassador Mustaq Moorad, Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East, International IDEA
09h00 to 09h15: Registration, Coffee or Tea
09h15 to 09h30: Welcoming remarks by Professor Barney Pityane, Principal of the University of South Africa
09h30 to 10h15: Supporting Democratic Elections, The Role Of Policy and Electoral Assistance: Mr Vidar Helgesen, Secretary General, International IDEA
10h15 to 10h30: First discussant: Dr Brigalia Bam, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of South Africa
10h30 to 10h45: Second discussant: Mr Joram Rukambe, Programme Manager for Africa, International IDEA
10h45 to 11h00: Third discussant: Mr Paul Graham, Executive Director, IDASA
11h00 to 11h15: Coffee or tea break
11h15 to 12h30: Plenary discussion
12h30: Lunch
For more information on International IDEA, please visit: http://www.idea.int/
For media enquiries please contact:
Kate Bapela
Cell: 082 600 6386
Issued by: Independent Electoral Commission
23 February 2010
