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The Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC) was launched in Cape Town in July 1998. The launch was hosted by the South African Independent Electoral Commission. The Forum has become a well respected and recognised body, not only in SADC but continentally and beyond as an example of the important role that electoral management bodies play in the quest for sustainable democracy.
The establishment of the ECF was supported by EISA (the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa), based in Johannesburg but offering its service within the Southern African region.
EISA provided the Forum with secretariat and technical services until 2005 when the ECF established its own permanent Secretariat, which is based in Botswana and housed by the Botswana Independent Electoral Commission. |
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The Electoral Commissions Forum Constitution confirms the commitment and dedication of the Forum members to the development of democracy in the SADC region. Amongst other objectives, the Constitution commits the ECF, to:
• Strengthen co-operation amongst Electoral Commissions in the Southern African Development Community; and
• Promote conditions conducive to free, fair and transparent elections in countries in the Southern African Development Community.
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The Forum pledges members to close co-operation and consultation among themselves to ensure the “development of a democratic culture and a dynamic electoral process in SADC”.
In addition, the Forum recognises the responsibility placed on Electoral Management Bodies to ensure that the environment in which elections take place is conducive to the conduct of credible and transparent elections. |
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