Less talking, more bargaining
May 16, 2024Six decades later: Why is the African Union relevant to young people on the continent?
May 24, 2024By: Thelma Nyarhi
The change in administration following an election often serves as a test for both the effectiveness and quality of a government. Within the African context it further tests the extremities and possibilities of democracy. In Senegal, the tests were no different. Former President Macky Sall, who had served as the fourth President of Senegal from 2012 to 2024 had to rule out a controversial third term late last year in 2023 following civil threats of demonstrations. One of the key issues surrounding the Senegalese case was the anxieties around the extent to which the Electoral Commission would be free of potential manipulation. With a 75% proportion of the legislature seats, Sall’s influence in the legislative process had been feared by many. To what extent would the elections be free and fair and potentially demonstrate the will of the Senegalese people? To what extent would the electoral commission be free from manipulation and potentially favour his political party? These and other questions lingered in the minds of most Africans. Senegal’s electoral process unveils the possibilities of peaceful change. Amidst a season where most of the nation states are undergoing or planning electoral processes, the Senegalese case offers Africans and beyond insightful lessons.
What is democracy?
It is important we establish a clear definition of democracy. As a signifier of order, the Constitution raises questions and concerns about democracy and power. What does democracy look like? What are the mechanics, nature, and focus of democracy? What is a ‘good’ democracy? While some understand it as the ability to exercise ones vote in making decisions, it goes beyond this. Politically, some scholars posit it as merely being suggestive of a free and competitive regime. Additionally, it bears fair and recurring elections, provides more than one political party choice, and uncensored information. Although there are institutional hybrids of democracy, understanding what makes a good democracy is essential. It can be said that a good democracy realizes equality amongst its citizens and satisfies them. In this case; citizens would have a satisfactory level of freedom and power to voice their concerns regarding the government.
Additionally, they would then monitor, evaluate, and call for accountability of the elected government officials. For Senegal, the electoral race tested the country’s institutional integrity. Initially, 25 February 2024 was the scheduled election date, but it was delayed. An imposed delay by then President Macky Sall to a later date in December created a lot of tension.
Citizens Political Power Through Protests
The postponement had triggered a constitutional crisis and potential demonstrations from eager, resilient civilians. The country has a significant history of ‘democracy from below’. Over the years, Senegalese democracy has been afforded by citizens’ activism. The internet suspension in the past has provoked citizen protests and outcries. Senegalese citizens have struggled with the strong, firm grip of power by presiding rulers. Despite the successive governments by Abdoulaye Wade, who was the third President who held office from April 2000 to April 2012, and Macky Sall, who was the succeeding President until March 2024, they have been met with opposition and activism from Senegalese citizens, particularly the youth. The youth have prevailed despite the state violence in the 2000, 2012, and 2024 elections. This highlights the power of the people, particularly the youth. In advocating for change, protest participation, and voting, citizens can exercise their political power and influence political decisions at the national level.
Beyond a Separation of Power
Over the years, we have seen significant transformations in the political systems of many African countries. Some of these transformations showcase the will of the people, and others raise concerns surrounding civilian liberties. This raises questions about how power is distributed in a nation state. At the national level”, there is what is called the ‘’Separation of Powers’’. Powers, which divides authority into three branches of government include: legislative, judicial, and executive. Each branch functions in autonomy to ensure political accountability. Political institutions leave room for abuse of power; therefore, creating conflicts of interest amongst the branches of government, serves as a means to curb and limit abuse of power. The electoral cycle raised three major points regarding Senegal’s democracy. Firstly, the independence of the Constitution Council. Secondly, the respect for the people’s will by the Head of the State. Finally, the autonomy of the courts and lawyers.
The establishment of the rule-of-law-based – the constitutional government and reforms such as term limits often function to ensure fair governance. However, it also falls victim of potential manipulation in the case where the President whom in this Senegalese case fell under executive authority and had majority of the legislative seats under him. In the case where nepotism is tolerated, these branches of government can cease to act independently and instead allow for potential abuse of power. Surprisingly, the Constitution Council which falls under the judiciary authority consequently rejected Macky Sall’s plan to delay elections. Although the President had appointed its members, they managed to work independently and stand up for the Constitution and not the views of the status quo. Overturning the presidential election postponements shifted the country from a state of constitutional crisis to democratic restoration. This was then followed by elections that saw a new ruler’s appointment and a new dawn for Senegal.
What can we learn?
Although democracy is a contentious reality in most African states, there is still hope in establishing it. Of importance is the Constitution particularly regarding term limits. As much as it is a remarkable feature, it has suffered a dramatic decline in some nation-states. Some states have struggled to deepen and institutionalize democracy as seen in recent calls for third terms, highlighting the delicate balances between term limits and greedy desires for leadership. Although some countries have abided to the term limits some have used legislature to back up decisions to remain in power. Although the Separation of Powers system is beneficial in theory, it presents a few loopholes, particularly regarding the appointment of Constitutional Council members by the President. Leaders’ greed has been a trend in Africa, incredibly, provoking an uprising of tensions and potential coup d’etat. For democracy, resilience, respect, and integrity play a significant role. Collaborative efforts are essential, particularly when it comes to activism.
Thelma Nyarhi is a research intern at the Democracy Development Program (DDP) and writes in her personal capacity.
