A/HRC/24/54 democracy did not belong to any country. He further highlighted that the universal nature of democracy, as something which people all over the world aspire to, is clear from citizens’ own actions and demands for democracy, as demonstrated most recently in North Africa. The Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance identified four key areas in which democracy can be strengthened through better national and international actions. First, he emphasized that there is a need to better connect international human rights commitments made by States with democracy at the national level. Secondly, he stressed that it is critical to respect and promote the “genuine” nature of elections. When elections are carried out with integrity, they bolster democracy, respect for human rights and result in elected officials – women and men – who are more likely to represent their citizens’ interests. Strengthening national capacity to conduct elections with integrity is clearly critical, as is the need for more concerted international attention on this issue. Thirdly, the Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance pointed out what the United Nations itself can do better. While stressing that there is a powerful normative and conceptual foundation for the work of the United Nation on democracy-building, he suggested that the United Nations could better integrate its democracy-building work with its human rights operations on the ground; that the work of the United Nations in the area of rule of law could be enhanced; and that there is a need for increased focus on constitutions and constitution-building. Fourthly, he underscored the importance of enhancing the role of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the post-2015 development framework. He concluded that experience has shown that democracy and human rights are at the core of inclusive, legitimate and responsive political institutions and processes, which are among the key transformative shifts required in addressing the challenges of the new era of development goals. 10. The member of the Executive Board of Femmes Africa Soldarité, Brigitte Balipou, referred to the situation in the Central African Republic. She explained that in 1990, the country embarked on the path to democracy, but that this process was soon undermined by recurring conflict in the region. She pointed out that numerous dysfunctions have affected various democratic initiatives in the country. These include mismanaged elections; the politicization of all State functions; bad governance characterized by corruption, impunity, exclusion, tribalism and family management of resources; lack of dialogue; lack of independence of the judiciary; restrictions on freedom of the press; and extrajudicial and summary executions. She further stated that at the social level, the country is afflicted by widespread poverty, illiteracy, the exclusion of minority groups and women, and lack of respect for ethnic, religious and cultural factors. Moreover, the collapse of the State has left a security void in the country. The State is no longer capable of controlling its territory, exposing citizens, particularly women and children, to abuses by armed groups. The member of the Executive Board of Femmes Africa Soldarité also stated that from a humanitarian perspective, the crisis has resulted in the displacement of 200,000 people. In addition, more than 80,000 people, of whom 57,000 are children aged under 5, are exposed to the risk of severe malnutrition during the dry season. She recommended several measures to reinforce and strengthen democracy in the Central African Republic: the establishment of a democratic regime and return to constitutional order; the creation of the necessary conditions to facilitate participation of citizens in public affairs, as well as transparency, access to information, freedom of the press and accountability; the promotion of democracy and the rule of law in order to create conditions conducive to holding transparent, fair and free presidential elections; the independence of the judicial system; and the participation of the judiciary in reforming the security sector, with a view to restoring the authority of the State. Finally, the member of the Executive Board of Femmes Africa Soldarité called for the involvement of women in mediation and negotiation processes, and consolidation of peace. 5