Parliament's Role in Conflict Mediation/Resolution
The Southern African Development Community has the maintenance of democracy, peace, security and stability as one of its main objectives. Parliamentarians are uniquely positioned to effectively address conflict when it arises and to alleviate the costs of violent conflict. In 2002, Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Dr Kasuka Mutukwa presented the following strategic areas for parliamentary action to promote peace:
- Constitutional and Democracy Development Strengthening;
- Reform of electoral legislation and systems;
- Oversight on allocation of resources;
- Legislative-constituent Peace Building capacity;
- Electoral related conflict mediation/resolution; and
- Elections observation.
Political competition, for example, has been a source of tension in southern Africa. By advocating for electoral and legislative reform and monitoring elections, the SADC Parliamentary Forum supports capacities for peace and helps to mediate conflict before it turns violent.
To read more of Dr Mutukwa’s presentation on the role in conflict prevention of regional organizations like the SADC Parliamentary Forum, click here.
