The history of democracy has been one of progress as the spread of civil liberties and political rights have increased across the globe. Elections have played an indispensable role in this story. Particularly since the Huntingtonian ‘third wave of democratisation’ in the mid-1970s, the number of people able to take part in national elections has grown exponentially as opportunities to elect and hold governments to account has increased substantially.
There is strong evidence, however, of a new era of democratic recession characterised by a notable reversal of democratic gains. Some describe this reversal as an erosion – a weakening of systems and institutions – others as democratic backsliding, where if not a total democratic breakdown, there is a declining quality of democracy and in some cases, a deepening authoritarianism.
A democratic recession threatens to undermine the performance of election monitoring bodies (EMBs) and diminishes the scope for enjoyment of fundamental rights. It also constricts citizen participation in governance processes, with far-reaching implications for elections and electoral processes. EMBs might also be directly affected by coercive pressures exerted upon them by incumbent governments. There is also a set of wider environmental challenges simultaneously facing EMBs, affecting their ability to deliver. Therefore, there is an urgent need to consider these and other emerging challenges and reflect on how EMBs can be best equipped to fulfil their mandates.
Please join this event launching the special issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs focusing on safeguarding EMBs in the age of democratic recession.
Parking available at the CTICC 2 Basement (parking tickets will be available at the registration desk).
Panellists
- Dr Victor Shale, Electoral Commission of South Africa
- Prof Mohamed Salih, Erasmus University Rotterdam
- Ms Sonali Campion, University of East Anglia
- Ms Nighat Dad, Digital Rights Foundation – Pakistan
- Mr Robert Gerenge, UNDP – Ethiopia
Moderator
- Dr Nomsa Masuku, Electoral Commission of South Africa
For in person attendance please email Mashakenip@elections.org.za.
We look forward to your attendance and participation.