94. The problem with the principle of democratic centralism is that it does not allow for compromise and consensus building outside of the ruling party framework. The party tends to demand strict party discipline even down to the level of the kebele, thereby sometimes frustrating or negating the policy of decentralisation. Rigid adherence to democratic centralism in a multiparty democratic arrangement can yield top-down governance and intolerance. 95. Thirdly, there is an urgent need to strengthen cross-national and oversight institutions, like the National Election Board of Ethiopia, the Human Rights Commission, the Federal Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission, and the Ombudsman, among others, and to develop appropriate democratic values and a political culture that will prevent re-hegemonisation by a national group or coalition of national and ethnic groups, and enable Ethiopians to sustain a system of governance that finds “beauty in its unity and diversity in its beauty” - as stated in its creed,. This can come about through the practice of federalism as cooperative federalism; respect for the rule of law; enhanced separation of powers; strengthening the legislature and the judiciary in particular, to play their countervailing oversight roles; and, encouraging competitive electoral politics and a robust civil society. 96. To further emphasise the need for political pluralism and political tolerance, there is no doubt that in a fragile emerging federal and democratic entity like Ethiopia, mutual respect amongst political parties is crucial. The ruling party and the opposition should increasingly find common ground and enhance their working relationships rather than sow seeds of disunity and distrust that will vitiate and endanger federalism and democratic consolidation.   3.2 Standards and Codes I. Summary of the CSAR 97. The CSAR notes that the following international treaties have been signed and ratified. These are the: International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (IESCR 1993), International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR 1993), International Convention on Eradication of Racial Discrimination (CERD 1976), International Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW 1980), International Convention against Torture and Dehumanizing Treatment (CAT 1994), International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC 1991), African Charter on Human and Peoples‘ Rights, African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, - 66 -