ELECTORAL C Authors: Mr Mathias HOUNKPE │Prof. Ismaila Madior FALL ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS in West Africa A Comparative Study OMMISSIONS IN WEST AFRICA - Second Edition A C OMP Voter’s CARD ARA TIVE STUDY Second Edition Published in Nigeria Authors: ISBN: 978-978-914-397-9 Mr Mathias HOUNKPE Prof. Ismaila Madior FALL Electoral Commissions in West Africa A Comparative Study Reviewed and updated edition, February 2011 COPYRIGHTS Reviewed and updated edition, February 2011 First edition published in September 2009 Published in Nigeria by: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Regional Office, Abuja 12 Marrakesh Street Wuse II, Abuja Nigeria Coordinator: Sebastian Sperling In collaboration with ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Unit Originally written in French Translated by: Roger Addah Edited by: FES Regional Office, Abuja Layout: Mr. Samson Nnah
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[email protected] Tel: +234 703 210 5185 ISBN: 978-978-914-397-9 PREFACE Preface Elections are the main pillars of democracy and have become a commonly accepted means to legitimize governance institutions in West Africa. However, elections are also one key trigger of violence and insecurity in the region. A better management of electoral processes by key stakeholders – electoral management bodies being the most important ones – could raise the credibility and acceptance of elections, reduce the risk of violent conflicts and thereby contribute to the consolidation of democracy in West Africa. In this regard, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been facilitating the exchange of experiences and discussions on the roles and responsibilities of the main actors in electoral processes at the regional level. Undoubtedly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) offers the most appropriate platform for this process.