Conference on Constitutionalism in Africa - Speaking Notes by the Secretary-General of International IDEA

This conference on constitutionalism in Africa presents us with more evidence of the increasingly important role constitutions are playing as crucial building blocks for democracy throughout the world. Today we are witnesses to the fact that the nature of constitutions has changed as have the processes in which they are developed. Indeed, today we are observing new and broader roles for contemporary constitutions –they are no longer just a political and legal tool, but also a tool for enhancing democratic development.