Panel I focused on why term limits matter and the socio-political and economic impacts of term limits. Panelists also discussed the socio-political and economic consequences experienced in countries that lack presidential term limits or where existing presidential term limits are not respected. Panelists further spoke to how researchers and constitutional scholars could promote respect for constitutional term limits across the continent and advocate for term limits in countries where they do not currently exist.

During Panel II, panelists reflected on the evolution of constitutional term limits in their regional contexts over the course of 2020 and what strategies their organizations have employed to respond to this evolution. Panelists shared lessons learned from their term limits related programming and offer their vision for how future programming will evolve in 2021. Panelists also discussed best practices and lessons learned in advocating for term limits across national, and linguistic boundaries. 

Panel III discussed the role of the African Union (AU) and the subregional organizations -- ECOWAS, the EAC, SADC -- in safeguarding term limits in countries where respect for term limits is weak or in decline. Panelists discussed the ability of these institutions to uphold democratic norms in member countries, including presidential term limits.  

This plenary served as open session during which participants could make recommendations or suggestions for follow on actions and activities by NDI and partner organizations as well as by regional and continent-wide organizations.