|
 Background
There were many elections throughout the region in 2007: more than 10 countries, of which 9 are part of the ECOWAS zone, were holding legislative or presidential elections. Overall, despite considerable violence, elections played a significant role in the strengthening of the democratic process, notably in Sierra Leone and Mauritania. Elections enabled some countries, like Togo, to enter into an exit from crisis situation.
In order to draw up an analytical appraisal of this electoral year and highlight the achievements and challenges for democratic change in West Africa, the SWAC organised a panel discussion which was led by four contributing experts of the region.
Objectives
-
Draw up an analytical appraisal of this electoral year by highlighting the achievements and challenges
-
Draw important lessons from the various elections by combining the experiences of external observers (EU, among others) with attestations by citizens and researchers
-
Take into account the impact of this electoral year on democratic change in West Africa
Contributors
The meeting was opened with presentations made by:
-
Ms. Caroline Sculier, Consultant of the EU Observation Mission in Nigeria
-
Mr. Christophe Boisbouvier, RFI Journalist, Observer in Togo and Senegal
-
Mr. Emmanuel Igah, Nigerian Geographer
-
Mr. Massaër Diallo, Head of the SWAC's Governance, Conflict Dynamics, Peace and Security Unit
Challenges
Following the presentations, the debate highlighted the main challenges for democracy in West Africa These involve notably:
-
Making the role of political parties more credible
-
Strengthening the independence of National Electoral Committees
-
Encouraging civil society to fully play its counter-balance role and not limit itself to a technical role during elections
-
Minimising electoral fraud’s threat to democracy
-
Strengthening ECOWAS’ authority regarding respecting democratic principles in the region
Key Messages
Is Democracy in West Africa regressing or stagnating?
There are contrasting opinions regarding the response to this question. Despite all of the obstacles to overcome so that West African citizens can fully benefit from democracy, participants agreed unanimously that a democratic process is underway. They underscored the following points:
- Elections are only a step in this process. All other aspects of democracy within a country cannot be ignored.
- Regional and sub-regional organisations (AU and ECOWAS) must contribute to guaranteeing democracy in order to build trust and gain the support of West African citizens.
- Civil society must take responsibility and constantly oversee the post-electoral phase. It should not limit itself to a technical position but should fully play its role as a counter-balance.
- Current ECOWAS sanctions, excluding countries failing to comply with democratic principles from attending ECOWAS meetings, are not sufficient. New stronger mechanisms must be conceived and applied.
Participants
The meeting brought together some twenty persons from various backgrounds: researchers, civil society actors, academics, official representatives of countries from the North and South, the private sector and the media.
|
