We, The Party Leaders of the Democrat Union of Africa (DUA) held our Council and Annual General Meeting from 12th March to 14th March 2010 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania hosted by CHADEMA.

During conference with the theme “Enhancing Strategic Partnerships and developing a framework for free and fair elections in Africa” we discussed and resolved the following:

That we maintain our common conviction that democratic societies provide individuals throughout the world with the best conditions for political liberty, personal freedom, equality of opportunity and economic development under the rule of law.

That multiparty democracy conducted on the basis of peaceful politics and regular, free and fair elections is among the inherent means to achieve this end.

That the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance adopted by the AU in January 2007 is commendable as a cornerstone in promoting public participation in free and fair elections. The Charter is vital in cementing the democratic culture in the continent that is endowed with resources but drowning in bad governance.

That despite the criticisms about the Charter it has positive ingredients that provide framework for addressing conduct that undermines democracy and development in Africa, such as undemocratic elections, lack of respect for the rule of law and unconstitutional changes of regimes.

That limited political will and irresponsible leadership inhibits and sometime prohibits the realization of its noble objectives that seeks to promote adherence to the universal values of human rights, including the right to have regular, free and fair elections.

We therefore resolved the following in the context of The AU Principles governing democratic election in Africa:

1. Commend countries that have ratified the Charter namely Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Mauritania.
2. Urge the remaining member countries to ratify the Charter and deposit with the AU to attain the 15 countries for the Charter to become legally binding on all African countries.
3. Call upon all actors to direct efforts to improve compliance to the Charter, including advocating for mechanisms that will enforce sanctions.

We further specifically discussed and resolved the following:

On Promotion and consolidation of democracy:

1. Condemn the emerging tendency among some African countries of refusal of incumbent governments to relinquish power to victorious parties is an ambush to democracy hence anguishing peace, stability and development.
2. Build parties organization including through strengthening the grass root structures, instituting women, youth and elderly structures and setting clear policies.
3. Promote and consolidate intra party to prevent splitting of party votes and also have strict adherence to party decisions.

On the role of media during elections:

1. Advocate for training of media on elections issue to enhance their critical role in democracy and ensuring transparency.
2. Encourage political parties to structurally and continually engage media in their activities including creatively establish own media outlets and be innovative in using electronic media through ICT.
3. Ensure that media ownership control and regulations guarantee freedom of the press and equality of access.

On support for member countries during elections:

1. Enhance strategic partnership and developing framework for free and fair elections in our continent including addressing the growing trend of abuse of democracy through void electoral politics.
2. Strengthen DUA to be able to advocate for electoral reforms in member countries and condemn governments that manipulate electoral laws.
3. Promote bilateral exchange of human resource to build internal capacities against rigging, ballot security, equipment including considering establishing electoral campaign fund composed of contributions from member parties.
4. Encourage parties to train youth, women and other interested groups on electoral process particularly the law and voting procedures.
5. Make bold statements in support for member parties contesting elections.

Signed 14th March, 2010 by Peter Mac Manu (DUA Chairman)
and Freeman Mbowe (DUA Secretary General)

Issued this 14th day of March 2010

PDCI – RDA OF COTE D’IVOIRE

NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY OF GHANA

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF KENYA

BASOTHO NATIONAL PARTY OF LESOTHO

UNITY PARTY OF LIBERIA

RENAMO OF MOZAMBIQUE

DTA OF NAMIBIA

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF SEYCHELLES

CHADEMA OF TANZANIA

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF UGANDA

FORUM FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE OF UGANDA