The role of the regional economic communities and their strategies to promote and uphold credible and legitimate electoral processes in Africa

Abstract

Electoral malpractices in Africa are multifaceted, intertwined, and complex. Most African countries have held regular elections, albeit often flawed and contested. Elections have been contested because of structural problems within States and elections have become highly competitive. The rise of authoritarian democracies where most elections serve as a means of survival for African leaders determined to remain in power has resulted in disputed elections. The shrinking political spaces within States has led to a slide towards authoritarian democracy. The capture and neutralisation of democracy-enhancing institutions has caused vote-rigging, voter intimidation, and manipulation of vote results to mention a few. The phenomena of third termism and increasing prospects of life presidencies have been common causes of disputed elections. The use of constitutional and soft coups to retain power has often resulted in contested elections. These and many other structural issues have affected the credibility and legitimacy of elections in Africa mostly. The Regional Economic Communities (RECs) have assumed a role to address these challenges. They have adopted legal instruments to promote democratic elections. They are involved in observing elections (pre- and post-electoral audits), mediation, political negotiations, and dialogues. In some cases, they have imposed sanctions on States violating constitutional order to protect democracy within States. This article discusses how the RECs have dealt with election disputes in the past decades, and their strategies to promote and uphold credible and legitimate electoral processes in their regions. This article concludes by highlighting the challenges of electoral democracy within the RECs, and what they could do better to promote credible and legitimate elections in their regions.