Adopted on 20 July 2015, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa from participating in decision-making processes due to cultural, structural and other barriers (d) the changing human context in the region occasioned by migration and the emergence of diaspora communities seeking recognition of their civil and political rights (e) the prerequisite to embrace gender balance in the SEOMs, consistent with relevant SADC instruments, such as the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development (2008); (f) the need to develop a sustainable and cost effective electoral observation programme for SADC; and lastly (g) the necessity to harmonise existing recommendations, non-Treaty standards and Treaty standards concerning elections in the region, as well as the imperative to align the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections to relevant African Union (AU) instruments. 2. 1.10 In addition to the socio-economic, political, legal and technological factors therefore, the review process was specifically informed by the experience of elections by the SEOMs; and by the major provisions enshrined in the OAU/AU Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa – AHG/DECL.1 (XXXVIII), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007); the AU Guidelines for African Union Electoral Observation and Monitoring Missions – EX/CL/35 (III) Annex II; The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development (2008); and other relevant SADC Protocols; and the covenants and human rights instruments of the United Nations (UN). 1.11 Through these processes, SEAC reflected upon emerging trends in elections in the region; the African continent; and the world. And based on these factors, it was noted that elections with integrity needed to translate into a fundamental change in the welfare of the people; and particularly enabling peace, prosperity, stability and security. 1.12 These SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, including Annexures I and II, hence, take into consideration the centrality of civil and political rights; and economic, social and cultural rights, to electoral democracy, good governance and sustainable development; and to the realization of SADC’s common and historical vision of a shared future. OBJECTIVES OF THE SADC PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES GOVERNING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS 2.1. The objectives of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections are to: 2.1.1. Promote and enhance adherence by each Member State to the SADC Treaty and the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation; 2.1.2. Promote and enhance adherence to the principle of the rule of law premised upon the respect for, and supremacy of, the Constitution and constitutional order in the political arrangements of the respective Member State holding elections.; -3-