Democrat Union of Africa


DUA Campaign Managers’ Meeting Statement on Elections in Africa

Democratic Union of Africa (DUA) held The Campaign Managers’ Meeting from 17th to 18th October, 2009 in Maseru Lesotho with a purpose of sharing best practices in local elections systems and campaign strategies among the center and center right parties of Africa.

This conference with the theme “Winning By-Elections, Local Elections and creating the framework for General Election Victory” discussed and resolved the following:

That the electoral process is not an end but rather a means, therefore good governance must be promoted during and after elections.

That democracy is a crucial ingredient for parties, governments and its people to equitably use the available resources for the development of the continent.

That free and fair election is important foundation for ensuring peace and development in the continent; therefore:

On running a successful local campaign on the ground:

  1. Resolve to enhance strategic partnership through developing framework for promoting free and fair elections.
  2. Build strong party organization to ensure appropriate communication with the voters during campaigning and ensure mobilization/protection of votes.
  3. Urge parties, governments and partners to consider improving technology in elections such as the use of biometric voting.

On turning the local election success into general election victory:

  1. Promote decentralization in order for the local government to have enough mandates to implement programs.
  2. Parties should select candidates diligently to avoid intra-party conflicts and ensure quality candidates.
  3. Elected candidates and their respective parties have to deliver to the elections promises and maintain communication with the people they represent.

These actions have to be taken under good leadership based on core center-right principles of; belief in fiscal responsibility, free trade, enterprise, low taxes, belief in the family and belief that freedom comes with responsibility and that power should be in the hands of the people and not the government.

The meeting further resolved to congratulate the host Party-Basotho National Party (BNP) on their 50th Anniversary.