German Development Cooperation Honoured for Promoting Democratic Values in the SADC Region

The 25th Anniversary Symposium took place in Cape Town, South Africa on 29 November 2023. The event was a testament to the ongoing quest for credible, inclusive, and transparent elections in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Key stakeholders came together to shape the future of democracy through dialogue. The symposium brought together 262 participants, including electoral commissioners, government officials, and regional partners. Its aim was to address pressing issues facing electoral management bodies (EMBs) in the SADC region.

The objective was to reflect on the achievements of the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC) since its inception in 1998 and to strengthen its capacity to address emerging challenges. The specific objectives were to assess the impact of technology on elections, evaluate inclusiveness in the conduct of elections, and refine ECF-SADC's strategic approach to supporting EMBs.

At this landmark event, the Electoral Commissions Forum of Southern African Countries (ECF-SADC) formally recognised the German government and its implementing agency, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. This prestigious recognition highlights Germany's commitment to upholding shared global democratic values in the region. Democracy requires the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of institutions such as EMBs. Strengthening the capacity of national EMBs and their regional fora, such as the ECF, is essential for promoting peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral processes and consolidating democratic governance. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) works with partners to strengthen the infrastructure needed to promote equal political participation, robust rule of law and effective democratic institutions. BMZ continues to provide support to partner countries that are dedicated to advancing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through their reform agendas.

This award celebrates past achievements. For example, the establishment of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) upheld the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. This led to the enhancement of democracy and good governance across the region. Moreover, supporting the revision of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections was a significant step forward in promoting transparent and inclusive electoral processes.  SADC's election capacity has been strengthened with the support of Germany, which trained approximately 3,000 regional election observers. Cooperation between regional bodies, member states, and international partners such as GIZ is essential to uphold democratic principles and ensure equitable, free, and fair elections throughout the region.

The 25th Anniversary Symposium provided a dynamic platform for robust discussions and practical recommendations to address the multiple challenges facing democracy in the SADC region. By adopting innovative approaches and fostering collaboration, stakeholders are poised to promote democratic integrity and facilitate credible and inclusive elections that uphold the rights of all citizens.