v. Promote best practices in the management of elections for purposes of political stability and good governance2. 4.6 AFRICAN UNION DECLARATION ON PRINCIPLES GOVERNING DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN AFRICA (2002): Under these Principles, Democratic 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 accountable electoral institutions staffed by well trained personnel and equipped with adequate logistics.3 4.7 Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Declaration recognizes that everyone has the right to take part in the government of his/her country, directly or through freely chosen representatives4. It 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”5 4.8 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The Covenant 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 6 5. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS (PRE-ELECTION PERIOD) 2 Under Article 2. 3 Under Principle 3. 4 Under Article 21 (1) 5 Under Article 21 (3) 6 Under Article 25 (a), (b) and (c). Page 7 of 15