News:
Rt. Hon Dr. Sidie Mohammed Tunis – Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament
October 19, 2021
The Speaker of ECOWAS parliament, Rt. Hon Dr. Sidie Mohammed Tunis has called on all member states to remain committed to Democracy and Good Governance, and cast off all threats to the success and progress of the region.
Dr. Tunis made the remarks at the end of a Parliamentary Seminar which focused on the Two decades of Democratic Elections in ECOWAS Member States.
“ECOWAS has been working tirelessly to promote democratic systems, political pluralism, representative institutions, free and democratic participation in Member States”.
The seminar provided insights that are expected to lead to forward-thinking actions and put member states in an informed position on the electoral systems, also monitor the processes for democratic consolidation and good governance in the sub-region.
“In the last three decades, ECOWAS has been working tirelessly to further promote democratic systems, political pluralism, representative institutions, free and democratic participation in Member States In addition, it remains committed to ensure neutrality or independence of the structures in charge of elections, transparency and reliability of the electoral register, transparency in the organisation, conduct and declaration of election results, as well as credibility in the handling of electoral disputes”.
The Speaker further explained that although there are shortcomings in the electoral systems, those shortcomings can be remedied by adopting best practices.
“We still believe that one of the best yardsticks for measuring democracy is the conduct of periodic elections that are considered credible through meeting best international practices. Furthermore, elections should necessarily provide good and inclusive governance.
As a community, we have strong faith in the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and urge Member States to incorporate its relevant provisions into national legislations”.
He however urged leaders to create a sustainable environment for democracy to flourish in the sub-region.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com