(7).  Election Reform

There is no specific reference to “election reform” in the NPRS.

In Section 4.6. (Promoting Gender equity), the NPRS observes that “In the decentralisation of local government, efforts were made prior to the commune council elections to encourage women candidates to stand and 954 were elected.  Thus, it will aim for 50 percent women members over time, starting with a concerted effort to have at least 20 percent membership in the next three years.” If the target of “20 percent membership in three years time” refers to the next commune council election, then it should probably read in “four years time,” as the next election should be in 2007. 

NGO Action:

In the NGO CG Statement, the NGOs observed that “the forthcoming national assembly election in 2003 has the potential for consolidating …democratic gains and the role of civil society. However, this will be largely influenced by the quality of the election process, the information voters receive and the freedom they enjoy in choosing their candidates.”

• Election reform is an essential component of any attempts to promote good governance and reform the civil administration by helping ensure greater transparency and public accountability. The link between poverty reduction and the need for good governance is clear, and in this sense the link between election reform and poverty reduction is also clear, albeit possibly one step removed from direct impact.

• Continued advocacy along the lines outlined in the NGO CG Statement is required, along with more public support from civil society institutions.

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