Democratic elections, if professionally managed; and when anchored upon consensus-based rules and international human rights principles, can contribute significantly to peace and stability. Conversely, poorly managed electoral processes can serve as triggers of conflict. lt is essential, therefore, that as Members of regional and international communities, we commit ourselves to regular assessments of our performance in regard to the international obligations we have pledged to uphold. International and regional obligations enjoin us to work toward a common goal that places the fundamental human rights and the improved welfare of our peoples at the core of our value systems. Furthermore, we improve ourselves as regional and international communities by constantly sharing lessons and candidly reminding ourselves of the need to keep enhancing our democratic institutions to achieve the goal of electoral integrity which is critical to the sustainability of peace, stability - and development. Distinguished guests Ladies and Gentlemen, In this regard, it is important to emphasise that SADC observes elections based on the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which are informed, primarily, by the region's experience of elections in the past three decades. The Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections flow from 5