Elections and the Rule of Law
The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) is convening a 5-part series of webinars looking to interrogate several election-related issues. These webinars build on the Edited Book that was compiled by AJJF and edited by Professor Christopher Mbazira. The series like the edited book explores the trajectory of electoral jurisprudence in Africa. The edited book was a collection of articles looking at the past, the present, and offering prognosis for the future. Similarly, through this webinar series, AJJF is looking to continue the dialogue packaging the content in a media form that is accessible and easily consumed with the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.
- The objectives of the webinars is to: a) Promote the sharing of knowledge, practices, and experiences that enhance effective, efficient, and credible adjudication of election disputes, and b) Examine, interrogate, and critique some of the salient features of the contemporary electoral jurisprudence in Africa based on knowledge already assembled and synthesized in the edited. Target Audience The webinars are designed for audiences with a legal background and specifically look to influence judges who adjudicate election cases, lawyers litigating such cases and academics studying, analyzing, and commenting on election jurisprudence as well as civil society activists working on electoral justice issues. AJJF will, given the wider reach that is afforded to it by virtual platforms, actively look to include populations that have traditionally been excluded from mainstream discussions of a socio-economic, and political nature including women, persons living with disabilities, persons living with HIV/AIDS, the younger professionals, and other persons irrespective of their social and economic status or political affiliation. Structure and Format of the Webinars AJJF will host 5 webinars that will be structured in the same way. It will have a panel of 5 eminent speakers who will tease through the topic making 5-minute presentations facilitated by an AJJF moderator. The presentations will be followed by a live Question and Answer (Q&A) session. Participants are encouraged to submit their questions when they register however this in no way limits them from asking questions that emerge from the discussions. a) Format for the webinar: Presentations followed by Q and A session b) Duration of each meeting will be 1.5 Hours (30 minutes for presentations and 60 minutes for the plenary session) c) Technology: Zoom Webinar The advantage of this format is that a live Q&A allows AJJF to involve the audience and let them drive the discussion. Discussion Topics The topics covered by the webinar series will be drawn from the following broad areas: a) International and Regional African standards, principles and norms on Elections (and the right to participate
Stream 1 Discussion: The Right to Participate in COVID times: A close look at elections in Burundi, Malawi and Uganda Date: 14 July 2020 Language: English Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AVSahY_XRo2Teb8zxvjbzA After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.” Stream 2 You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Jul 31, 2020 10:00 AM Universal Time UTC Topic: Séminaire Virtuel: Élections et Etat de droit. Language: French
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_paTLs0zFS4SvMFAZUOrJWQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar
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b) Pre-Electoral Period: Election Environment
Discussion: Leveling out the playing field Date: 28 July 2020 Language: English
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c) During Elections: Casting, counting and observation missions Discussion: TBA (West Africa) Date: 11 August 2020 Language: French
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d) Enforcement of Electoral Decisions Discussion: Emerging Electoral Jurisprudence: Is Africa headed in the right direction? Date: 25 August 2020 Language: English and French The webinar series is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).