A regional study has been launched to reduce the high cost of conducting elections in the West Africa sub-region.
The survey was launched on Thursday by the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) “as part of an initiative to encourage reduction of electoral expenses to make democracy more cost-effective and participatory,” an ECONEC press statement has said.
It will be carried out in the three language zones (English, French and Portuguese) of ECOWAS, as part of ECONEC’s activities to encourage reduction of electoral expenses to make democracy more cost-effective and participatory.
“Elections are not only very expensive to run, but have also become a source of avoidable political conflicts in our region, so ECONEC is taking steps to address these challenges in a proactive manner,” Prof Mahmood Yakubu, President of ECONEC governing board and Chair of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Nigeria, said recently.
The findings of the study are expected to be presented at a Conference of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) from Western and Southern Africa taking place in Abuja in April 2018.
Results of thef the survey is expected to be used as a “strong advocacy tool for the sensitization and mobilization of stakeholders on the need to scale down the spiraling cost of election administration.”
And the results are to “also encourage pooling of resources by EMBs, and strengthening of transparency and prudent use of resources, to make democracy more cost-effective, participatory and inclusive”, according to the statement.
The project’s Lead Consultant is a professor of political science and a former Commissioner of Nigeria’s Electoral Commission, Adele Jinadu. The other consultants are Mr Francis Laleye and Mr Jose Sanches of Benin and Cape Verde respectively.
ECONEC’s key partner, the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is supporting the survey.
Meanwhile, ECONEC is also to undertake Needs Assessment and Solidarity missions to its members planning elections, and follow-up missions for the implementation of ECOWAS Election Observation missions’ recommendations, according to the release.
It adds that these activities are consistent with ECONEC’s mandate of providing support and advocacy for its members, promotion of credible elections and good governance.
They will also encourage the gradual harmonization of electoral laws and best practices through experience-sharing, and peer-learning of good practices in electoral matters in the region.
Over the years, the financial cost of holding elections been a major challenge in West African countries already hit by economic crisis.
For example, Liberia’s just-ended presidential and legislative election cost up to US$54 million amidst budget shortfall. Story by William Selmah