CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE _____________________________________________________________________ past sometimes find it difficult to submit themselves to the discipline of civilian life in democratic republics. This therefore results in some reported excesses here and there, such as extortion and violence perpetrated on civilians, brawls between the police and the military, and so on. Conscious of these shortcomings, the authorities and the hierarchy take over responsibility for this problem and increase awareness-raising and training with regard to citizenship and human rights. They also take steps to eradicate the shortcomings, for example by holding regular sittings of the Military Court, imposing disciplinary sanctions, removing the ‘black sheep’, prosecuting offenders, and conducting narrow investigations into morality before confirming appointments. 199. The establishment and development of a new community police force that participates in the reconciliation of defence and security forces with the people and brings about improvements in the security of citizens is an added force for change. The firm will to build a republican army is also reflected in the involvement of defence and security forces in development programmes, such as the fight against drought by using military aircraft to bomb clouds and so bring much-needed rain for agriculture; construction work undertaken by military engineers; and heavy involvement in management and training with regard to national development. There is also progressive feminisation of the army, as well as the presence of women at different hierarchical levels. In this regard, special mention should be made of the efforts made by the police. 200. The stakeholders, including members of the defence and security forces – who played a very active part in the APRM exercise – believed that the police and the gendarmerie were constrained by their small size and inadequate and dilapidated equipment, and that there was a need for continuing education. In view of this, there was thus a need for capacity building among the police and gendarmerie. iii. Recommendations of the APR Panel 201. The APR Panel recommends: In the short term: With regard to electoral democracy and political competition: 108 • Reformulate the Charter of Political Parties to ensure stricter supervision and limitation of parties, with specific requirements being introduced relating to democracy within such parties (government, political parties, civil society, Parliament). • Redefine the terms relating to the public and private funding of political parties and election campaigns, establish a ceiling and strictly monitor election expenses (government, political parties, civil society, Parliament).