Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections.
- Author: UN Commission on Human Rights (45th sess. : 1989 : Geneva)
- Document source:
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Date:
7 March 1989
1989/51. Enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections
The Commission on Human Rights, Recalling General Assembly resolution 43/157 of 8 December 1988, in which the Assembly called upon the Commission to consider appropriate ways and means of enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections, in the context of full respect for the sovereignty of Member States, Reaffirming, as the General Assembly did in that same resolution, that apartheid should be abolished, that the systematic denial or abridgement of the right to vote on the grounds of race or colour is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the conscience and dignity of mankind, and that the right to participate in a political system based on common and equal citizenship and universal franchise is essential for the exercise of the principle of periodic and genuine elections, Aware that each State, while remaining in conformity with its international obligations in relation to human rights, has the right freely to choose and develop its political, social, economic and cultural systems, including appropriate methods and institutions associated with the electoral process, Recognizing that there is no single political system, no single electoral method, which is equally suited to all nations and their people, and that national decisions with respect to implementing the principle of periodic and genuine elections legitimately lead to alternative approaches which have different advantages and merits, Recommends, through the Economic and Social Council, that the General Assembly adopt the framework for future efforts contained in the annex to the present resolution. 53rd meeting7 March 1289
[Adopted without a vote. See chap. XI.]
ANNEX Framework for future efforts
I. THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE EXPRESSED THROUGH PERIODIC AND GENUINE ELECTIONS AS THE BASIS FOR THE AUTHORITY OF GOVERNMENT
A. Universal and equal suffrage.
B. The right to take part in the government of one's country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
C. The right to equal access to public service in one's country.
D. The need for a secret vote or equivalent free voting procedures, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors.
E. The importance of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.
F. The importance of the right to freedom of association.
G. The importance of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media.
H. The right of citizens of a State to change their governmental system through appropriate constitutional means.
II. THE ACTIVITIES OF CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
A. Equal opportunity for all citizens to become candidates.
B. The right of candidates to put forward their political views, individually and in co-operation with others.
III. OPERATIONAL ASPECTS: NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
National institutions should ensure universal and equal suffrage, as well as impartial administration. There is particular need for independent supervision, appropriate voter registration, reliable balloting procedures and methods for preventing electoral fraud and resolving disputes.IV. CO-OPERATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
The host country may wish to invite observers or seek advisory services. Either or both may be available from regional organizations or from the United Nations system.This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.