Since the African Peer Review Mechanism was launched about two years ago, less than half of the African Union's 53-member states have acceded to the process – designed to improve governance on the continent. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) commits countries to opening themselves for inspection by a team of governance experts – this to determine whether they have conformed to principles laid out in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). These include observing the rule of law, and respecting human and property rights.