By enhancing the operational capacity of electoral bodies through coordination, training, skilling and effective leadership, citizens can take forward democratic gains in established and emerging democracies, as well as in post-conflict societies.

This was according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who gave a pre-recorded address to the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) fifth General Assembly and International Conference, held in Cape Town.

Ramaphosa said building resilient and sustainable democracies was a collaborative effort.

South Africa assumed the chairpersonship of the A-WEB from the Election Commission of India.

Jang In-sik from South Korea was elected the Secretary-General of the world body.

Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) chairperson Mosotho Moepya said he accepted, on behalf of the IEC, the responsibility that had been placed on South Africa and the African continent by the A-WEB to act as chairperson for the next two years.

Ramaphosa said South Africa was honoured to assume the chairpersonship of the association and he congratulated the organisation for its work in strengthening election management bodies across the world.

“In an age where the threats to consolidating democracy are multiple and varied, it is encouraging that the general assembly will be looking, among other things, at how disinformation spread online can undermine democratic processes,” he stated.

He said the general assembly will be deliberating on these threats to democracy and how to overcome them.

Ramaphosa added that the assembly was a vital platform for dialogue on elections between peer organisations from across the globe and an opportunity to advance participatory democracy and accountability.

He explained that in recent times several instances of unconstitutional changes of government and an erosion of democratic practices around the world were being witnessed.

“We need to work together to meet this critical challenge of our time. As South Africa assumes the chairship of the association, we once more pledge our support for the Independent Electoral Commission at this challenging and important endeavour,” Ramaphosa said.

Also addressing the conference, Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi noted that in the last decade many nations, including regional and economic powers, have been confronted with challenges of protracted violent conflicts and political instability, as well as an assault on democratic institutions and constitutionalism.

According to the 2021 Global State of Democracy Report, more than 70% of the global population now lives either in non-democratic regimes or democratically backsliding countries.

This is matter of overriding concern, said Motsoaledi.

IEC vice-chairperson Janet Love said the A-WEB conference was taking place at a very important time in history.

“It is a time when democracy is under threat across all continents of the world. Not only is Europe caught in the grip of war, but the foundation and pillars of some of the world’s oldest democracies have been shaken and tested. How can we not take note of the January 6, 2021 events at the Capitol in the USA?” she said.