Creating sustainable democracy in Africa - an African supranational body for the effective supervision of elections in Africa

Abstract

The objective of this study is to provide a novel working mechanism for the supervision of elections that would no longer be municipal based but rather the subject of a supranational body that is not answerable to municipal authorities. In essence, this study will consider the possibility of a new African Union body responsible for African elections. Rather than just mooting an idea, this study will attempt to justify the need for such a body, as well as answer the practical questions that may hamper the establishment of such a body and also provide for some of the modalities regarding how such a body may work. To enhance the objectives, the study will necessarily commence with a theoretical background of the rationale for having elections. The study will also emphasise on the human rights aspect of elections, namely the right to self determination and the right to participate in public affairs as provided in various human rights instruments. By analysing recent African elections, this study intends to show that the current strategy of wholly relying on municipal electoral authorities is subject to manipulation and can result in humanitarian catastrophes and illegitimate governments. By so doing a justification of introducing a new AU body responsible for supervising African election is made perspicuous