Statement at the First Annual African Governance Forum

"In building good governance, we also need to address some misconceptions of democracy within and outside the Continent. Democracy has often been understood as the participation of the people in electing a government of their choice through ballot boxes. The elections are, indeed, a crucial stage in a democratic process. This is why the OAU has participated in the observation of over 60 elections in our Member States. But, while elections are necessary they, by themselves do not provide sufficient condition for the building of democracy and good governance. Elections per se are not the panacea for democracy and good governance. In other words, the existence of political parties, the conduct of free and fair elections and the performance of Parliament under the leadership of an elected government do not always turn governance into a democratic system." - Dr. Salim, July 11, 1997