The SADC Parliamentary Forum has stood at the forefront of election observation in the region and has consistently strived to strengthen electoral democracy throughout its activities. While elections have enjoyed protection in international human rights law and individual political rights are commonly known, there still exists some challenges to ensure that good governance, popular participation, the rule of law and human rights continue to be upheld as guiding principles.

The SADC Parliamentary Forum adopted the original Norms and Standards for Elections in the SADC Region on 25 March 2001. These guidelines have served the Parliamentary Forum well for more than thirteen years. The renewed energy stemming from the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance coming into force in February 2012 provides the Parliamentary Forum with an opportunity to revisit its original Norms and Standards with a view of updating it and bring it in line with more recent developments. Drawing from a wide variety of documents, the Benchmarks for Assessing Democratic Elections in Southern Africa represents the drawing of important lessons from within the SADC Region, as well as the African Continent and further afield. In adopting a more questioning approach to elections observation, the Benchmarks for the Observation of Elections in Southern Africa focuses strongly on commitments that SADC Countries have made in the context of international human rights obligations.

This document was developed with financial support from the Open Society Institute for Southern Africa (OSISA) and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). The SADC Parliamentary Forum thanks all Members of Parliament, the Programme Manager for Democracy and Governance, Sheuneni Kurasha, parliamentary officials and resource persons who contributed to the finalisation of this document. Lastly, credit goes to Rushdi Nackerdien, for conducting the required research and compilation of this document.