1. ELECTORAL INSTITUTE OF ELECTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN AFRICA
Presentation to the Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk Officers East London
TERRY TSELANE
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
ELECTORAL INSTITUTE OF ELECTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN AFRICA

2. INTRODUCTION A lot has been written about good governance
Not much attention has been given to good governance in Electoral Processes
Violence and dictatorship has made the world focus more on peace stability than good governance in the continent
Africa has inherited a very bad system
Good governance is about the quality and detail

3. The European Label of governance excellence by a committee of Ministers of Europe in developed good governance principals
Fair conduct of Elections, representation and participation
Responsiveness
Efficiency and effectiveness
Rule of law
Ethical Conduct

4. Competence and Capacity
Innovation and openness to change
Sustainability and long term orientation
Sound financial management
Human Rights, cultural diversity
Accountability
Conduct of Public affairs and management of Public resources

5. Governance in Africa Replete with examples of bad governance
History of colonialism and cold war gave birth to one party states and dictatorship
The liberation struggle and user ping power through a barrel of a gun did not help the situation
Many liberation movements and parties that came into power felt vulnerable and became intolerant to dissent and opposition

6. Even though we have had 50 out of 54 African countries being regarded as democratic the ruling parties and the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) have been guilty of mismanagement and non adherence to good governance principles
There is however progress but not sufficient

7. REJECTION OF ELECTION RESULTS
Kenya
Leader of opposition Raila Odinga rejects the election results, calling them fake
24 people die
The supreme court nullify the results due to non compliance with the law and lack of verification
voting stations without 34A Forms
290 Constituencies without 34B Forms

8. The Gambia 2016 Yahya Jammeh concedes defeat but then retracts
Blames the Commission for irregularities
Offices of the Commission are blockaded
Interaction by Economic Community of West African States
Adama Barrow is declared a winner

9. Gabon Ali Bongo wins with 49,50% Jean Ping rejects the results
He blames vote rigging
7 people die
Constitutional court validates Bongo as a legitimate leader

10. Congo Denis Sasson – Nguesso is re-elected with 60%
5 opposition parties reject the results
They allege irregularities in the sense that voter’s roll was published late and that it contained the names of dead people

11. Ghana 2016 Abu Ramadan takes the commission to court
Voter’s call irregularities:-
Deceased people
Under age
Usage of National Health Insurance card

12. RSA 2015 David Kham takes the Commission to court
Irregularities in voter’s roll
Late submission of the voter’s roll to parties
No addresses on the voter’s roll
IEC did not ensure that only eligible voter’s vote

13. Elements Determining the Quality and Integrity of Elections
The Quality of the voter’s roll.
Only eligible voters
Must be current
Be accessible to interested parties and stakeholders
Framework to object to ineligible people

14. Quality of Logistics
Right quantity of materials
Materials at the right place at the right time
Security of materials

15. Quality of the Electoral Staff
Recruitment must be transparent
Must be impartial
Well trained
Act with integrity
Basic understanding of the legislative framework

16. The Political Environment
Appointment of Commissioners
Environment conducive to Free and Fair Elections
Free Political Activity
Free Press
Access to Media by Political Parties
Security of voters

17. Where to from here
Ratification and implementation of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Representative systems of government with separation of powers between them
Promote democracy, rule of law and basic human rights
Ensure democratic rule and constitutional changes of power through Free, Fair and Transparent Elections
Respect ethnic, cultural and religious diversity

18. Strengthen Election Observation systems.
Electoral process is a joint responsibility
Media
Political Parties and Leaders
Electorate
Civil Society
Electoral Commission
International Community

19. CONCLUSION Focus must be more on quality of elections
Those seeking political office must respect the will of the people
The Electoral Commissions must run the elections with Professionalism and Integrity
Introduce a carrot and stick for those holding political office