The potential role of Africa's own continental and sub-regional organizations in achieving the “break-through” to democracy is most important. This is especially so, in the growing determination and insistence of the governments behind the “democratic liberation” agenda, that this transition must be lead by Africa. The most articulate expression of this is the NEPAD initiative itself, which is now moving ahead and gaining grounds and support within the continent and abroad. There are various ambitious undertakings, such as the Treaty establishing the African Parliament which has now secured enough ratification to move forward. However, these are taking place against a backdrop of scepticism and challenges, which are reflected in the current discussion on the exact meaning and scope of the “peer review” mechanism incorporated in NEPAD. Equally the firm establishment and operationalisation of the AU becomes vital. It is encouraging that the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) will involve itself with the democratization process, as demonstrated by its undertaking of an assessment in 30 African States of the local perceptions of governance, as well as the African Development Bank.
IDEA's Continent-wide collaboration focuses on the major pan-African institutions, these are:
The Africa Programme will engage these institutions in a number of thematic areas including:
- Good Governance and Democracy Assessment Methodologies
- Capacity Building for Election Support
- Democracy and Conflict Management
- Democracy at the Local Level
