UNDP launches new publication on its role in democratic elections in Africa |09 August 2013

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a new publication on its role in democratic elections in Africa.

The UNDP regional electoral advisor, Joran Rukambe, presented the publication in a ceremony at Le Meridien Barbarons on Wednesday evening.

The publication documents some of UNDP’s key achievements in fostering democratic elections in Africa. It describes continuing challenges in supporting elections in Africa and lists lessons learned from years of work in the field. It also draws on case studies from 17 African countries and on contributions from UNDP staff across Africa.

The publication underlined the fact that UNDP support has been directed to countries in transition from authoritarian rule and in stable democracies. Support has extended beyond government institutions to civil society, the media, political parties and parliaments.

According to UNDP, democracy, however, is always a work in progress and elections can always be improved. Key challenges for the future will include ensuring that election assistance remains relevant and produces sustainable results; focusing on new issues to meet evolving needs; and ensuring that election assistance not only contributes to improved technical practices, but also results in elections that meet international standards and solidify democratic practices.

A copy of the publication was presented to Advocate Pansy Tlakula, chairperson of the Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF). Each delegate attending the 15th annual general conference at Le Meridien Barbarons also received a copy of the publication.