TMG Urges Nigeria and West African Nations to Learn from Senegal's Democratic Example Amidst Electoral Crisis

The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), a leading independent civil society election observation organization, has urged Nigeria and other West African nations to learn from Senegal's exemplary handling of an electoral crisis and subsequent democratic processes.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of TMG, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), he emphasized the significance of Senegal's recent presidential election amid regional democratic challenges. "At a time when ECOWAS was grappling with democracy's decline in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, President Macky Sall's decision to postpone Senegal's presidential election signaled potential further democratic setbacks across the region," Rafsanjani remarked.

He underscored the gravity of the challenge posed by Sall's announcement, not only to Senegal but to the entire region, which had regarded Senegal as a model of functional democracy in Africa. The incident prompted broader questions about democracy's viability in West Africa.

Rafsanjani highlighted lessons from Senegal's crisis management, particularly the neutrality and independence of state institutions. The Constitutional Council's judgment against Sall's decision demonstrated the institution's commitment to national interests over personal agendas, a crucial element often lacking in West African democratization processes.

He stressed the importance of constitutional supremacy, citing Sall's immediate compliance with the court's ruling as a departure from the norm in Africa, where leaders often manipulate constitutions for personal gain.

The statement called for a vibrant civil society and independent media as essential pillars of democratization. Senegal's civil society's mobilization and media's amplification of public voices during the crisis exemplified their roles in upholding democracy and accountability.

Rafsanjani lauded Senegal's youth for their active involvement in the electoral process, emphasizing their rejection of identity politics and support for a youthful candidate, which culminated in the election of the youngest president in Senegal's history.

"It is the massive support as demonstrated by the youth without resorting to politics of identity on the basis of ethnicity, tribalism, or religion that paved the way for the emergence of 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye as president-elect from the March 24 election. This represents a wake-up call to youths in Nigeria and ECOWAS to unite above identity politics to positively affect changes in their country’s politics."

Finally, he highlighted Senegal's successful conduct of a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent presidential election within a short timeframe, demonstrating that such elections are achievable in West Africa.

TMG extended congratulations to Senegal for its democratic achievements and urged Nigerian authorities and citizens to heed the lessons learned. Senegal's experience, Rafsanjani concluded, illustrates that democracy in West Africa thrives on the collective will of the people.

Nigeria still in the doldrums of development

-This represents a wake-up call to youths in Nigeria and ECOWAS to unite above identity politics to positively affect changes in their country’s politics."

Bwala, Reno Omokri, Adamu Garba, Yahaya Bello etc would be rooting for corrupt geriatrics while their leadership of tomorrow will continue to take the back stage.

Racoon:

-This represents a wake-up call to youths in Nigeria and ECOWAS to unite above identity politics to positively affect changes in their country’s politics."

Bwala, Reno Omokri, Adamu Garba, Yahaya Bello etc would be rooting for corrupt geriatrics while their leadership of tomorrow will continue to take the back stage.

Confirmed