Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad to Attend 6th Meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-Operation, Sun City, South Africa, 22 - 23 July 2004

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad will attend the 6th meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation on Thursday, 22 - Friday, 23 July 2004 in Sun City, South Africa during which South Africa will assume Chairmanship of this Organ.

Issues on the agenda, include, among others:

• A review of the implementation of the decisions of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ;
• A review of the regional political situation;
• A consideration of the draft SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections;
• The operationalisation of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the African Standby Force and the SADC Standby Force;
• The regional early warning centre;
• The implementation of the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO); and
• International Co-operation.

The Ministerial Committee of the Organ will report to SADC Summit that will take place in Mauritius from 16-17 August 2004.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

20 July 2004

BACKGROUND

The draft SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections

In 1992 the Treaty establishing the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) was finalised.

Article 4 of this treaty states, "human rights, democracy and the rule of the law" are principles guiding its members.

Article 5 of this treaty commits the member states to "promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions which are democratic, legitimate and effective." It also commits member states to "consolidate, defend and maintain democracy, peace, security and stability in the region."

The Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO)

The Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO) emphasizes the need for democratic consolidation of the region. The development of the principles governing democratic elections, aims at enhancing the transparency and credibility of elections and democratic governance as well as ensuring the acceptance of election results by all parties.

The draft document therefore deals with:

• The Principles;
• Guidelines for the observation and monitoring of elections;
• Code of conduct for election observers and monitors; and
• Responsibilities of the member states holding elections.