This article addresses the role of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (African Democracy Charter) in strengthening democratic governance in Africa by focusing on the aspect of state reporting as a pathway to improving compliance by state parties. It outlines the existing framework for state reporting under the African Democracy Charter and interrogates how this framework has been operationalised and monitored with a view to identifying existing gaps and challenges. It also locates state reporting of the African Democracy Charter within the wider constellation of state reporting on human rights instruments and explores ways in which improved coherence and coordination can be achieved as states respond to these various obligations. It then explores the role to be played by civil society in enhancing aspects of state compliance with African Democracy Charter principles. It concludes with key lessons learnt from twelve years of the instrument being in force and makes proposals for a strengthened framework on state reporting as an aide to improved implementation at the national level.

The article reveals that considerable work remains to be done in the areas of universal ratification, state compliance on reporting, improved coordination of stakeholders at various levels and in enhancing the involvement of civil society to enhance public ownership and engagement. It is based on extensive desk-review and research of the African Democracy Charter, its related policy and programme documents and existing academic literature. It is also informed by deliberations, reports and releases issued by various stakeholders who have engaged in development of the African Democracy Charter as well as in advocacy related to its successful implementation at the continental, regional and national levels.

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