universal values and principles of democracy and respect for human rights; promotes the holding of regular, free and fair elections to institutionalize legitimate authority of representative government as well as democratic change of government; promotes the establishment of the necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, freedom of the press, and accountability in the management of public affairs and promotes best practices in the management of elections for purposes of political stability and good governance. 1.6 African Union Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002) Under the African Union Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa (2002), elections should be conducted freely and fairly, under democratic constitutions and in compliance with supportive legal instruments. Elections should be held at regular intervals as provided for in national Constitutions, by impartial, all-inclusive, competent and accountable electoral institutions staffed by well trained personnel and equipped with adequate resources. 1.7 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (1948) Article 21(1) of the UDHR recognizes that “everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives”. Article 21(3) further provides that: “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures”. 1.8 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966 The ICCPR recognizes the right of every citizen to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives; and to vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot. Ideally, this means that although the right to vote is not an absolute right and may be subjected to limitations, such limitations must be reasonable and should not result in any form of discrimination. The Covenant further underpins that civil and political rights are fundamental human rights applicable to every individual, including Persons with Disabilities and other often marginalised groups. The right to vote is the backbone of democracy and Page 11 of 55