The ManicaPost
Confiance Okito
MANY people believe that elections are a sign of democracy and respectable political institutions.
It is within such parameters that regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) plays the balancing act in ensuring peaceful and democratic elections throughout its member states.
A history of violence erupting around elections necessitates a proactive approach from SADC to prevent conflict and manage its outbreaks.
It is under such circumstances the regional body often finds itself under scrutiny for its perceived shortcomings in addressing violent conflicts.
However, its role in preventing election-related violence deserves recognition.
SADC’s approach goes beyond simply reacting to crises.
The organisation has established a framework for promoting peaceful elections:
The SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections set a benchmark for conducting free and fair elections.
These guidelines outline best practices for voter registration, campaigning, transparent vote counting, and dispute resolution mechanisms. By encouraging member states to adhere to these principles, SADC promotes a culture of electoral integrity, reducing the grievances that might fuel violence.
Deploying observer missions is a cornerstone of SADC’s preventative strategy.
These missions, comprised of independent experts, monitor the electoral process, deterring fraud or intimidation tactics.
Their presence serves as a neutral observer, assuring stakeholders of a credible process and fostering trust in the results.
SADC actively monitors potential flashpoints of violence.
By gathering information on political tensions, ethnic rhetoric, and historical grievances, SADC can identify countries at risk and initiate preventive measures.
This might involve quiet diplomacy, urging dialogue between rival parties, or deploying mediation teams to address specific issues before they escalate.
While SADC’s interventions might not always be overtly acknowledged, there have been instances where they have demonstrably prevented violence:
Malawi 2019: Following a disputed election, SADC’s timely intervention and mediation efforts helped facilitate a rerun, ultimately leading to a peaceful resolution.
Lesotho 2017: In the wake of a political crisis, SADC’s deployment of a peacekeeping force helped restore order and create a conducive environment for fresh elections.
Despite these successes, SADC faces challenges with regards to limited enforcement power in which SADC lacks strong legal mechanisms to compel member states to adhere to its principles. Its reliance on moral persuasion and diplomatic pressure can be insufficient in cases of entrenched regimes.
On the other hand, member states are often wary of external interference, making it difficult for SADC to take more assertive action.
Overall, SADC’s role in preventing election-related violence is often understated.
By establishing frameworks for fair elections, deploying observer missions, and engaging in quiet diplomacy, SADC has helped avert potential conflicts.
While challenges remain, SADC’s commitment to peaceful transitions of power paves the way for a more stable and democratic Southern Africa.
Confiance Okito is a student at Africa University in the Faculty of International Relations and Diplomacy
