IPU ASSEMBLY CALLS FOR LAWS TO PREVENT ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND CURB EXCESSIVE SPENDING ON ELECTION CAMPAIGNS

At the close of proceedings, the 124th IPU Assembly in Panama City has adopted four major resolutions. The first, on laws to prevent electoral violence and ensure a smooth transition of power, sends a strong message to parliaments to enact legislation giving robust regulatory, investigative and prosecutorial powers to independent and impartial election management bodies. It also appeals to civil society organizations, media groups, experts, academic institutions, human rights agencies and international organizations to sensitize citizens to their constitutional rights and obligations regarding elections.

A second resolution considers the transparency and accountability of political parties and election campaigns. It invites governments to put in place measures aimed at ensuring the independence of political parties so as to shield them from undue influence and at curbing corruption and excessive spending on election campaigns. This includes the establishment of spending limits during election campaigns. The resolution also invited IPU Member Parliaments to consider measures to limit, prohibit or regulate funding by NGOs, corporate bodies and foreign sources so as to ensure they do not exert undue influence on political outcomes.

In a different sphere, the Assembly also adopted a resolution on how parliaments can ensure sustainable development through better management of natural resources and agricultural production. The resolution is a response to the alarming rate of growth in global population figures. There is simply not enough food to go around. As the resolution states, the situation exacerbates the risk of wars breaking out over access to land and the use of water resources.

Responding to recent political upheavals in various countries, the Assembly adopted an emergency resolution entitled "Strengthening democratic reform in emerging democracies, including North Africa and the Middle East". The resolution affirms the importance of holding free and fair elections as soon as practicable. It also stresses the particular importance of empowering women, including their full participation in the democratic process. Finally, it calls on all parties to refrain from violence and to ensure that human rights are respected.

 

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