West Africa 2020 elections: How to enforce the tenets of democracy

West African leaders gathered at a one-day summit in Niamey to emphasize the importance of adhering to term limits in the region. With a series of elections on the horizon for West Africa this year, the focus on democratic principles has heightened following a military coup in Mali last August. Christopher Fomunyoh, the senior advocate for Africa and regional director for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, discussed the implications of these developments on African democracies in an interview with CNBC Africa's Kenneth Igbomor. Fomunyoh acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted the democratic process in various African nations. While countries like Malawi successfully conducted presidential elections amidst the pandemic, others like Burundi and Mali faced difficulties. Ethiopia even postponed its elections indefinitely due to the health crisis. Fomunyoh emphasized the importance of ensuring that political space does not contract due to citizens' limited participation in political and electoral processes. Discussing the recent emphasis on obeying constitutional term limits by ECOWAS in West Africa, Fomunyoh expressed concerns about potential democratic backsliding in the region. Previously lauded for its democratic progress, West Africa now faces uncertainties following the events in Mali. With five presidential elections scheduled before the year ends, including countries like Ghana and Guinea, stakeholders are working to ensure the success of these critical electoral processes. The situation in Mali, particularly the recent Ecowas intervention, was commended by Fomunyoh. He praised ECOWAS for its proactive approach in engaging Malian stakeholders, signaling a commitment to civilian democratic governance. As Mali navigates a transition following recent political upheaval, the hope is for a swift return to civilian rule, demonstrating a collective desire to move past military coups and authoritarian regimes. Addressing challenges in countries like Cote d'Ivoire, Fomunyoh highlighted the need for dialogue and social cohesion to foster peaceful elections. The passing of former Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly has created controversy in Ivory Coast's presidential race, underscoring the importance of Ivorians coming together for inclusive and stable electoral processes. Remembering the election-related crisis of 2010, Fomunyoh underscored the importance of avoiding a similar scenario and maintaining progress made over the last decade. In terms of institutional checks on presidential term limits, Fomunyoh pointed to ECOWAS protocols on governance as a positive framework for the region. He applauded Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's recent call for regional leaders to uphold term limits, emphasizing the role of civil society in advocating for democratic norms. By reinforcing the message of term limit adherence, Fomunyoh believes stability, legitimacy, and investor confidence can be bolstered across West Africa. As West Africa navigates a critical juncture with multiple elections ahead, the region faces both challenges and opportunities in upholding democratic principles. The commitment to democratic norms, institutional checks, and citizen engagement will be crucial in determining the trajectory of democracy in the region amidst evolving political landscapes and external pressures.