Algeria Calls for Reform of African Union’s Electoral System for Commission Leaders to End “Dictatorship of a Region”
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of high-level institutions within the African Union (AU) and appoint competent leaders, Algeria proposes revising the criteria for selecting and electing candidates. Ahmed Attaf, present at the AU’s executive council meeting, outlined an alternative proposal.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Algeria’s stance on the election of senior officials within the AU Commission, rooted in three fundamental beliefs. These convictions support an approach that prioritizes “selective large-scale engagement among the five regions,” leaning towards consensus in deliberations to appoint competent individuals to lead a more effective AU.
Algeria advocates for reforming the “electoral” system for selecting candidates and appointing leaders to head the AU Commission. According to the country’s foreign minister, Algeria’s position is motivated by concerns regarding the objectivity of the current method of electing senior officials, as well as the criteria favoring the dominance of one region within the commission. Instead, Algeria proposes a broader selection process and consensus-based deliberations, fostering competition both regionally and overall to ensure the appointment of the most competent leaders.
Attaf highlighted three main concerns driving Algeria’s position on the current electoral process for selecting senior commission officials. Firstly, there is apprehension about limiting decision-making and candidacy rights to a specific region, potentially leading to the imposition of a region’s will on the entire organization or causing conflicts within the region presenting candidates. Secondly, strict adherence to regional rotation could eliminate diversity of choice and competition among various visions, projects, and programs without restricting it to any one region. Lastly, prioritizing regional rotation may conflict with the prerogatives of the conference of heads of state and government in selecting the best candidates for leading the organization.
Algeria emphasizes the need for a revised election criteria that promotes competition among multiple candidates, leading to the selection of the most qualified individuals through a broader consensus rather than the dictates of a particular region. This approach aims to ensure legitimacy and representativeness in the leadership of the AU Commission, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective organization.
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