The time of monarchies where rulers inherited leadership and went on to rule by decree has elapsed. The dictates of democracy are such that the people decide - through the ballot - who they want to serve their interests. The elections conference held this week came at a time when the Arab world, especially in North Africa, is going through a revolution. People are sick and tired of repression and the stifling of human rights by their leaders and are pushing for more democratic rule. As Libyan protesters take to the street and now the trenches, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi pounds them with bombs. The world is reminded once again of the fact that democracy is a crucial component of human life. It is like what water is to all forms of life.
People are harassed and killed by those who want to cling to power by all means. It is unfair and uncalled for. It is therefore, commendable that the Global Electoral Organisation's Gaborone Declaration has called upon the world to acknowledge the need to address the root causes of election-related violence and reduce it. Officiating at the conference, President Ian Khama rightly acknowledged the fact that most of the conflicts in the African contest arise out of disputes over election results. This underlines the importance of elections management bodies like the GEO and our Independent Electoral Commission, which play a significant role in ensuring that elections, be it at ward level or constituency level, are not only fair but also free.
