INTRODUCTION
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) is a roadmap that outlines international standards for good governance and democracy on the African continent . Adopted on January 30, 2007, and entering into force on February 15, 2012, the Charter has been signed by 46
countries, with 39 having ratified and deposited the instrument. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), 11 countries have successfully signed, ratified, and deposited the ACDEG. However, three countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mauritius, and
Eswatini, have signed but not yet ratified the instrument, while Botswana and Tanzania have neither signed nor ratified it. The Charter aims at consolidating the commitment of AU member states to promote nd deepen democratic governance and human rights across the continent.
