Adopted on 20 July 2015, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa 7. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLES OF SEAC IN ELECTORAL PROCESSES IN SADC 7.1. SEAC’s Role during the Pre-election Period: 7.1.1 7.2 In conformity with the applicable provisions of the SEAC Structures, Rules and Procedures, the objective of the SEAC shall be to advise SADC and its electoral institutions on all matters pertaining to electoral processes and the enhancement of democracy and good governance in the SADC region. In this regard, the SEAC shall report on these matters to the Ministerial Committee (MCO) of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (OPDSC). In order to ensure the effective application of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the SEAC shall undertake Goodwill Missions in line with Article 9.2 of the SEAC Structures, Rules and Procedures. To this end, the Executive Secretary of SADC shall, in consultation with the Member State holding elections, and in line with Article 9 of the SEAC Structures, Rules and Procedures, constitute and send Goodwill Missions in the period prior to elections in order to achieve the following: (a) Reflect on possible conflict situations in respective countries on matters pertaining to electoral processes and render advise to the MCO on the development of mediation strategies, before, during and after elections; (b) Based on the findings of the Goodwill Mission, report to the MCO on whether the political environment is conducive to the holding of free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful elections in conformity with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections; (c) Encourage the specific SADC Member State holding elections to adhere to international best practices in all elections; (d) Advise the specific Member State holding elections on strategies for enhancing and consolidating the capacity of the EMBs; (e) Encourage the specific Member State holding elections to uphold and respect the independence and autonomy of the EMBs; (f) Encourage the revision and improvement of electoral laws, codes of conduct and regulations in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. SEAC’s Role during the Election Period 7.2.1 During the election period, the SEAC shall play no active role in observing elections in Member States; -8-