The Africa Governance Report 4.2.3 The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) of 2007 was the result of concern, among others, that unconstitutional changes of government had become “one of the essential causes of insecurity, instability and violent conflict in Africa”. Therefore, the Charter underlines the determination of Member States to promote and strengthen good governance by deepening and consolidating the rule of law and by entrenching a political culture of change of power based on the holding of regular, free, fair and transparent elections. Through this Charter, Member States undertook to promote: adherence to democracy, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law. They also committed to:, hold regular, free and fair elections, prohibit, reject and condemn unconstitutional changes of government in Member States, the fight against corruption, promote citizen participation in governance and accountability in the management of public affairs, gender balance and equality and best practices in the management of elections. They also agreed to enhance cooperation between the AU, RECs, state parties and the international community on democracy, elections and governance. The Charter imposes a number of obligations on AU Member States. For example, state parties must: ensure transparent and accountable administration, improve public sector management as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of public services and combat corruption, ensure separation of powers, strengthen political institutions, create conducive conditions for civil society organizations, facilitate the participation of women in decision-making and electoral processes, promote citizen participation (particularly social groups with special needs such as youth and people with disabilities) in the governance process, ensure civilian control over the armed and security forces, ensure the independence and accountability of public institutions, promote efficient and transparent public finance management, decentralise power to democratically elected local authorities, and increase the integration and effectiveness of traditional authorities in the democratic system. On the management of elections, ACDEG requires state parties to adhere to the Union’s Declaration on the Principles Governing Elections in Africa of 2002 (Declaration on Elections), which sought to strengthen the role of the Union in observing elections and advancing the democratization process. 4.2.4 The Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance The Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance of 2003 (NEPAD Declaration) committed Member States to work together to pursue the following objectives: democracy and good political governance, economic and corporate governance and socioeconomic development. By this declaration, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to: promote democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law, respect human rights, ensure good economic and corporate governance and pursue socio-economic development. To facilitate implementation of these objectives, Member States agreed to adopt codes, standards and indicators of good governance at the national, sub-regional and continental levels. 4.2.5 The African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration Page 45 of 96