African countries are urged to invest in democracy by strengthening their national electoral institutions. This message came out at the launch of a report by the Global State of Democracy Publication in Windhoek on Thursday. The report by the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security, highlights global threats to democratic progress and identify major challenges to deliver elections with integrity. The Commission emphasises that elections conducted with integrity not only promote democratic values and human rights, but also improve governance, fight corruption and deliver services to the poor. Regional Director of Africa and West Asia, Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Professor Adebayo Olukoshi said free and fair polls can be a powerful tool for better governance, security and human development. In his keynote address, National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi emphasised that elections are indispensable pillars of democracy and sustainable development. Professor Katjavivi said State institutions, such as Electoral Commissions, need to strengthen electoral processes and uphold fundamental human rights. The Global Commission, jointly created by International IDEA and the Kofi Annan Foundation, promotes recommendations to consolidate electoral processes and norms world-wide.