Integrity of electoral process vital: Annan

Former secretary general of the UN, Kofi Annan, yesterday closed the second meeting of the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security in Doha, declaring that ensuring integrity throughout the entire electoral process is essential for countries, such as those involved in the Arab Spring, aiming to build democracy.The commission, which was jointly created by the Kofi Annan Foundation and the International Institute for Electoral Assistance (IDEA), will produce a report by the end of 2012, making a number of recommendations about the organisation of elections and helping to show how free and fair elections contribute to the overall development of a nation.Annan is chairman of the commission which is vice-chaired by the former president of Mexico, Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon. Other members include political luminaries such as Martti Ahtisaari, Madeleine Albright, Louise Arbour, Vidar Helgesen, Festus Mogae, Amartya Sen, Javier Solana, Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Hassan Wirajuda, while the friends of the commission include Helen Clark, Rima Khalaf Hunaidi and Lynn Pascoe.Zedillo explained that the commission was established last year, coinciding with, rather than responding to, the political uprisings in the Arab world.“It’s a rather fortunate coincidence that we have decided to undertake the endeavour of this commission and we are seeing a historical movement towards democracy in this region of the world,” he said.The commission’s second meeting was held in Doha after an invitation from the Qatari government, explained Zedillo, stating that hosting the forum here does not convey any political message.However, the proximity of the meeting to the uprisings in the region serves as a reminder of the importance of the work the commission is carrying out and their future findings. “Building democracy is a complex process.  Elections are only a starting point but if their integrity is compromised, so is the legitimacy of democracy,” said Annan, adding “most countries have agreed to principles that would, if respected, lead to credible electoral processes, but too often these principles are ignored because of lack of political commitment, insufficient technical knowledge or inadequate international support.”“The Commission will therefore seek to renew political commitment to the integrity of the electoral process,” he added.Annan was keen to point out that democracy is not brought about simply by organising elections, but by maintaining the various institutions and rules of law necessary to ensure free and fair elections.“The Commission will draw its strength from having no national agenda,” said Zedillo, adding “its members all have a track record in integrity and commitment to democracy, and their high profile on the world stage will give it unique credibility and influence.”  Commission members discussed the current situation in the wider region at length, and Zedillo also responded to the issue of the future of democracy in the Gulf region.“It’s up for the Gulf states to decide whether they want to play a positive constructive role in building democracy,” he said, adding “all the members of this Commission are here because we are true believers in democracy - democracy is a very high ideal but it is up to every country and every society to decide when and how they go about building democracy.”Annan also pointed out that the Commission would have no role in monitoring elections around the world, unlike IDEA which performs this function.“The responsibility for ensuring clean and fair elections belongs to the government and the people concerned,” he said.