Protocols
I thank YIAGA Africa for inviting me to this introspection session aptly termed Reflection Conference on recent elections in West Africa
I commend Mr. Samson Itodo, the executive director, and other bright young Nigerians who are behind Yiaga Africa for their commitment towards promoting democracy, good governance, and credible elections on the continent.
The theme of this conference, which seeks to review the conduct of elections in West Africa, particularly during the 2023/2024 cycle, and their implications for electoral democracy, is both timely and desirous.
Judging from the focus of the conference, we are all reminded, as we gather here, that democracy is not just a system of governance but a continuous journey of learning, adaptation, and improvement.
There is no gainsaying the fact that elections are the hallmark of any democratic society. This is because they provide citizens with the opportunity to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
The State of Democracy in West Africa
Let me start by stressing that West Africa has made significant strides in its democratic journey over the past few decades.
This may sound rather incongruous in the light of the recent experience in the sub-region where some countries including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger, have regressed to military rule, especially, since 2020 when the first coup in this dispensation took place in Mali.
Still, I believe we have made incremental progress. It is clear that West Africa has largely transitioned from the dark days of pervasive military rule and authoritarian regimes, to a region where elections are now held routinely as the primary means of transferring political power.
The fact that the military regimes are now treated as an aberration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) speaks eloquently to this progression and highlights the resilience and determination of our people to embrace democracy as a way of life.
This is, indeed, a clear departure from the not-so-distant past when many nations in the sub-region experienced long spells of political instability or military dictatorship with some of the leaders even playing active role in the formation of ECOWAS in 1975.
However, the journey to a democratic West Africa has not been easy. The transition period in focus, 2023/2024, symbolises the chequered history of democratisation, showcasing a mixed bag for electioneering and democracy in our region. While some countries conducted peaceful and credible elections, others were marred by violence, allegations of fraud, and institutional weaknesses.
These challenges remind us that democracy is not a destination but a process that requires constant vigilance, innovation, and collaboration. I believe that is what this gathering here today is all about.
To put it in perspective, several West African countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana held elections, during the 2023–2024 election cycle, each with its own unique processes, outcomes, and challenges. To illustrate my points, I will discuss the experience in some of these countries.
In February 2023, Nigeria held general elections and subsequently carried out a peaceful transition from one civilian administration to another. However, despite the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Results Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the process still experienced logistical issues, delayed voting in some areas, violence and technical glitches with the BVAS system.
Sierra Leone also introduced new technology with the use of biometric voter registration ahead of its presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections in June 2023.
However, there were allegations of irregularities including voter intimidation, ethnic tensions and controversial results which culminated in the opposition’s boycott of governance institutions.
Late last year, Ghana conducted general elections which were indeed successful, despite the application of limited technology. The country, with a reputation of being one of Africa’s most stable democracies, lived up to this billing by conducting peaceful polling and smooth transfer of power.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana and the security authorities played a crucial role in ensuring the elections were free, fair, and transparent, thereby demonstrating that Ghana’s democratic institutions and processes have continued to be resilient, even with limited technology.
Two other countries, Liberia and Senegal also conducted general elections with limited deployment of technology. In these countries, the processes were generally peaceful, transparent and credible with a high voter turnout. In the case of Liberia, incumbent President George Weah conceded defeat to the opposition candidate Joseph Boakai after a closely contested runoff, setting a positive example for democratic transitions in the region.
The pre-election period in Senegal was notably marred by protests, arrests of opposition figures, and concerns about the independence of the judiciary. However, it was pleasing to observe that once the election process kicked in, the polling processes progressed without hitches, resulting in a free and fair outcome.
At the end of the exercise, the opposition candidate Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye won the election and was subsequently sworn in as President, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
In a nutshell, these elections have therefore provided us with valuable lessons. In some countries, we saw the power of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability. The use of biometric voter registration, electronic voting systems, and real-time result transmission helped to build public trust in the electoral process. These innovations, where they worked, should be celebrated and replicated across the region.
On the other hand, we also witnessed the dangers of political intolerance, hate speech, and the manipulation of ethnic and religious divisions for electoral gain.
These practices not only undermine the credibility of elections and the desired democratic sustainability but also threaten the social fabric of our nations. We must address these issues head-on by promoting a culture of inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law.
It must be stated that high voter turnout in Liberia, Senegal and Ghana as well as a peaceful transition of power in these countries demonstrated public enthusiasm for democratic participation, and consolidation.
It is instructive that in countries where more technology was deployed like Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, the electoral process threw up more agitations, legal battles and political tensions.
This development therefore underscores the place of the human element in deepening the roots of democracy. It shows that the deployment of technology, no matter how elaborate or sophisticated, may not deliver the desired outcomes, without the proven will of the authorities and the citizens to do the right thing.
As a country wielding so much influence in the sub-region, it is imperative that Nigeria leads this initiative to conduct clean and peaceful elections. If we must successfully continue on this ‘journey of learning, adaptation, and improvement’, of democracy in ECOWAS, a pattern of progressive advancement in election processes must be established to give our people hope.
Youth participation
One of the most encouraging developments in the 2023/2024 elections was the active participation of young people and civil society organizations. Across the region, young voters turned out in large numbers to make their voices heard.
It is imperative for governments in the sub-region and civil society organisations to continue to play a critical role in mobilising them not only to be more politically conscious but to develop the taste for electoral integrity.
The youth of our land are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Their energy, creativity, and passion for change are indispensable to the future of our democracy.
The Way Forward
As we reflect on the last election season in ECOWAS and their implications for sustenance of democracy, we must consider some pragmatic measures required to have better elections in the future.
Here are a few recommendations for strengthening democracy in West Africa:
1. Strengthen Electoral Institutions: Independent and impartial electoral commissions as well as non-partisan security operatives are the cornerstone of credible elections. We must invest in building the capacity of these institutions and safeguarding their independence from political interference.
I always hold the view that the success or failure of any election lies in the hand of two critical agencies which are the the electoral management body and the police.
It goes without saying that the stability of a democracy is strongly tied to the way its elections are conducted and policed. If elections are not properly managed by security personnel who, must be fair and just, the credibility of the electoral process and, by extension, the legitimacy of governance, could be undermined.
2. Promote Electoral Reforms: Electoral laws and processes should be regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging challenges and incorporate best practices. For instance, in Nigeria for the review of the electoral law to be meaningful, it must be comprehensive enough in order to address all the grey areas that plague the conduct of elections at both the national and subnational levels.
3. Leverage Technology: Although the human factor seems to threaten and frustrate the use of technology in some countries, I will continue to advocate for expansion and more deployment of automation in elections to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public confidence.
4. Foster Political Tolerance and inclusion: There is no doubt that the future of democracy in Africa lies in addressing the root causes of instability, including poverty, inequality, and climate change. Political leaders and citizens alike must commit to promoting good governance and a culture of tolerance, inclusion, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
Conclusion
Let me, therefore, conclude by stressing that the 2023–2024 elections in West Africa have provided important lessons for the region. While there are reasons to celebrate, there is also a pressing need to address the challenges that threaten the credibility and sustainability of democratic elections. By learning from these experiences and working together, we can build a West Africa where every election reflects the will of the people and strengthens the foundations of democracy. I thank you all.
