Change through the Ballot: Examining the 2024 Constitutional Democracy in Senegal

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The study examined the impact of elections on constitutional democracy in Africa with Senegal as case study. The paper assessed the implications of unconstitutional reforms on good governance, and identified the strategies that can improve the practices of constitutionalism and democracy in Africa.

Methodology: Methodologically, the paper adopted a descriptive research design and employed secondary sources of data collection. Sources included newspaper articles, worldwide indices, journals, online articles, survey data, research datasets, reports from distinct nations, and statistics from reliable international organizations. These include the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), Freedom House, the International IDEA, the Afrobarometer survey data, the Perceptions of Electoral Integrity (PEI) and the dataset from the Electoral Integrity Project amongst others. Data was subjected to thematic content analysis.

Findings: The findings showed that democratic and credible elections drive political change in Senegal, demonstrating the country's commitment to constitutional democracy through peaceful transitions. Faye's electoral victory, characterised by high voter turnout and a quiet process, indicates the effectiveness of democratic channels despite prior civil unrest. The implications of unconstitutional reforms were found to significantly undermine good governance by weakening institutional checks and balances, eroding public trust in political leaders, and fostering environments where political opposition is dealt with by isolation rather than dialogue, leading to diminished rule of law and social cohesion. Robust strategies such as maintaining judicial independence, ensuring electoral integrity, combating corruption, media freedom and civic education were essential to consolidating democracy.

Conclusion: The paper concludes that strengthening Constitutional Democracy across Africa requires targeted and intentional efforts from both national and international stakeholders. The path to democratic consolidation as shown in Africa and specifically, Senegal, requires aversion of undemocratic tendencies in governance for solid democratic development in Africa.