The African Union said it will not recognize unconstitutional changes of governance unless those whose leadership has been attained through the ballot.
African Union Commission Director for Political Affairs Dr Kebele Mathlosa says military coups or governments brought through civil unrest will not be entertained.
He said the AUC pursues voting as a constitutional means of electing leaders.
Dr Mathlosa also expressed concern that many African Countries still experience violence during elections.
‘’’It is unfortunate that the problem of violence still characterizes elections in many African states. Voters must be educated on the need to desist from violence;’’ he said.
He was speaking during an Open session for the African Union Peace and Security Council on the theme: Towards Peace, Security and Prosperity on the Continent- Embracing the values of democracy and Governance: Is the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance Adequate?
He also called on African Union Member States to ratify the charter on Democracy, elections and Governance in order to guarantee free and fair elections on the continent.
United Nations Special Representative to the African Union and Head of UNOAU Sahle-Work Zewde called on political leaders to educate their voters on the need to accept election results.
She said many conflicts on the continent were as a result of failure by losing candidates to accept election results.
And Chairing the Peace and Security Council, Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Her Excellency Ms.Susan Sikaneta said Africa can attain Peace , integration and Prosperity if it fulfills the objectives and principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
‘’’this charter is to Africa what the Bible is to a Christian or Quran to the Islamic faith. The bible spells out what we believe is good for humanity and what is good for our existence. In the same vein the AU Charter spells out the good principles with which member states ought to conduct Government business for the good and progress of mother Africa’’, said Ms Sikaneta.
She said the session was important as it would examine whether the charter contains sufficient guidelines to guide member states towards a culture of democracy, governance, dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
