Experts outline steps to governance report |17 January 2011

They gave details during a workshop where the work – being done for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Uneca) – was launched at the Seychelles Trading Company’s conference room.

Those who will be involved are members of civil society, business people, young people, the disabled, law enforcement cadres and the media, among others.

The experts said a survey will be carried out by a qualified panel and will involve a questionnaire being filled in by knowledgeable and experienced people from civil society.

“There will be group discussions among women, elderly citizens, political party members, faith-based organisations and private sector workers in Seychelles,” they said.

A desk study will then be done covering major aspects of electoral governance and diversity management.

Another workshop will be hosted later to discuss the draft report before its submission to Uneca, who will give copies to other countries in Africa and to stakeholders.

Addressing the workshop delegates, Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam welcomed the report’s theme: Elections and the Management of Diversity in Africa.

He said elections are important because they are the democratic process from which the legitimacy of governments is derived.

“Just as importantly, the maintenance of this legitimacy involves managing all the different elements and forces that compose a society,” said Mr Adam.

“Managing diversity is the process by which we maintain the cohesion of a society.

“If we cannot manage a diversity of opinions, backgrounds, faiths, races and political beliefs, then we cannot pursue sustainable development effectively.”

Uneca has 53 member states and its main focus is to support their economic and social development, foster regional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development.

The draft report is expected to be ready in three months.