OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal
The Challenge of Democratic Governance in The African Region: The Nigerian Experience
Adekunbi Olukemi Johnson Odusanya
Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 11-23, 2013.
Abstract: The welfare of the people is the hallmark of democracy and this is implied in Abraham Lincoln’s definition of democracy. Government exists to cater for the citizens and that is democratic governance. The main challenge to welfarism in post colonisation Africa was touted to be the economic challenges faced by most if not all the countries in Africa. This necessitated recourse to borrowing from their former overlords, international agencies such as the Brentwood organizations. These loans or aids came with conditions and conditionalties which necessitated the adoption of such economic programmes as the Structural Adjustment Policy (SAP), austerity measures, deregulation of currencies and other International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditionalities. These programmes or policies became the buzzwords and eventually became (un)popular with African countries since the mid-1980s. In Nigeria for example SAP was introduced in 1986. One of the dictates of SAP is the reduction of welfarism by the state. This generated protests from all segments of the nation as the average citizen questions the justification of his continuous obligation to a state which cannot longer play its role to its citizens. S. 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution of Federal Republic Nigeria 1999 (CFRN’99) provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The incessant disturbances, riots, strife, unrests, agitations, insurgencies, terrorism and general insecurity now prevalent in Nigeria can be described as reactions of the average citizen to such perceived injustice. The continued existence of the state is thus threatened by the citizenry. This has in turn forced authoritarian response from the state. Such authoritarian responses pose a great challenge to democratic governance and sustainable development in the country touted as the “giant of Africa” with a teeming population of over 160 Million as at the last census. This paper assesses the responsibilities of the government to its citizens. It examines the level of state participation in provision of basic amenities for the citizenry. It argues that aside from economic challenges, corruption, ignorance and illiteracy remain the major hindrances to welfarism and consequently democratic governance in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular. The paper assesses the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) efforts at ensuring democratic governance in the continent and the sub-region respectively. The paper concludes that the Nigerian state, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) need to take important steps in stabilizing the economy of member states towards promoting democratic governance in the state, sub region of West Africa and the African region. It therefore recommends certain implications for policy implementation.
Keywords: Democratic Governance, State Welfarism, Sustainable Development
A study of adjustment (academic, social and to the urban environment) among Malaysian students at Jordanian universities and its correlation with their academic achievement
Wail Ismaila, Zakaria Alcheikh Mahmodb, Allam I.H. Qadous c , Mohd Faisal Mohamedd
a, d Department of Education, University of Malaya, , 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
b Centre for Urban Design, Conservation and Tropical Architecture, University of Malaya, 50603,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
c International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 23-38, 2013.
Abstract: This paper aims at examining the adjustment (academic, social and to the urban environment) and its correlation with academic achievement among Malaysian students in selected governmental universities in Jordan. Relevant qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. 386 Questionnaires were distributed randomly. The questionnaires were designed to measure the extent of academic and social adjustment and the adjustment to the urban environment. They were backed up with a brief interview covered 50 students and revolved around the difficulties the students faced during their stay in Jordan. The findings revealed that the students reached a acceptable level in adjustments. The male students achieved better social and academic adjustment than the female students while the adjustment of female students to urban environment was more than that of the male students. The mean of academic achievement for females was better than that for the males. Further, there is a positive and strong correlation among the adjustment dimensions. Furthermore, there is a correlation between each of the adjustments and the academic achievement, but the relationship is very low.
Keywords: academic achievement, academic adjustment, social adjustment, urban adjustment.
Environmental greening through utilization of glass waste for production of concrete
Williams Kupolati a, William Tchoundi Mbadie a, Julius Ndambuki a, Rotimi Sadikub
aDepartment of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.
bDepartment of Chemical, Metallurgy and Material Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 37-52, 2013.
Abstract: The amount of glass waste generated by glass manufacturing and recycling companies creates serious environmental challenges. The utilization of glass waste in concrete to mitigate such challenges involved the adaptation of the material with respect to the fundamental requirements. This research involved the beneficial use of two types of soda-lime glass wastes in concrete, as partial replacement of cement and fine aggregate, in order to enhance the greening of the environment. The glass wastes were produced in large quantities by glass recycling companies in Gauteng, South Africa. Low alkali cement, CEM V/A 32.5N, a composite cement with 25% Fly Ash (FA) and 18% Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) was used. The two types of glass waste, namely, Superfine Waste Glass Sand (SGW), a fine residue of glass recycling processes and Ceramic Stone and Porcelain (CSP) glass waste, cullet contaminated with ceramics, stones and porcelain; were respectively used as sand and cement replacements. As collected, SGW was sieved and blended with fine sand in line with the recommendations of the South African National Standard (SANS) for sieve analysis. CSP was sorted from contaminations, through decantation, dried in the oven at 104 oC for 24 hours, grounded into powder with rod and ball mills successively; and sieved through 75µm mesh. The tests conducted include sieve analysis, particle relative densities, compacted bulk densities and loose bulk densities; in accordance with the Cement and Concrete Institute (C&CI) mix design protocol. Twenty mix proportions were designed with water-to-cement ratio of 0.7 and 75 mm slump. The first set of mixes consisted of 20%, 40%, 50% and 60% SGW replacement of sand; the second set consisted of 10%, 20% and 30% of glass powder (GLP) replacement of cement; the third set consisted of 10% GLP in combination with 20%, 40%, 50% and 60% of SGW, respectively; the fourth set consisted of 20% GLP in combination with 20%, 40%, 50% and 60% of SGW, respectively; and the fifth set consisted of 30% GLP in combination with 20%, 40%, 50% and 60% of SGW, respectively. Subsequently, cube specimens were tested at 3, 7 and 28 days for compressive strength, according to the SANS recommendations. It was found that, the glass waste were effectively adapted in concrete. SGW was adequate for blending with fine aggregates as it improved the gradation of the blend. SGW and GLP increased the workability of the fresh concretes and significantly reduced the weight of the hardened concrete by 6.5%. Glass powder reacted as early reactive pozzolanic material, as it enhanced the 3 days compressive strength of the concrete by 14% when compared to the control mix with natural aggregates. Compressive strengths obtained from the laboratory tests ranged between 18.8 MPa and 32.7 MPa, which were 65% above that of the control mix. Up to 30% of glass wastes used as cement and fine aggregate replacement, respectively, did not impair the 28-day compressive strength of the concrete. The blend with 20% GLP and 40% SGW exhibited the same 28-day compressive strength as that of the control mix value with a value of 25.86 MPa. The mix with 20% GLP and 20% SWGS exhibited the highest strength at 28 days with a value of 32.7 MPa which represented an increase of 26.5% of the compressive strength of the control mix. The research demonstrated the beneficial use of glass waste as partial replacement for cement and sand in concrete. This will appreciably reduce the amount of glass waste dumped to the landfill sites and enhance the greening of the environment, with the added advantage of preservation of virgin materials for posterity.
Keywords:Compressive strength, control mix, environ- mental greening, glass waste, virgin materials.
Human Development And Poverty In Papua Province
(An Analysis Of Simultaneous Approach On Panel Data Regression)
Eleonora Sofildaª, Muhammad Zilal Hamzahb, Arip Syaman Sholehc
ªLecture of Sustainable Development Management Program and Economic Faculty, Trisakti University, Indonesia.
bLecture of Sustainable Development Management Program, Trisakti University, Indonesia.
b Indonesian Business School (STIEBI), Jl. Raya kebayoran lama No. 46 West Jakarta, Indonesia
c Master of Economics Program, Trisakti University, Jl. Kyai Tapa No.1 Grogol, West Jakarta, Indonesia
Corresponding author: mhd_zilal_hamzah@hotmail.com
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 51-64, 2013.
Abstract: Recently, development orientation shifted from economic development which only focuses on simply economics growth to be human-oriented development. From some previous researches, one of the indicators used to measure the success rate of development of a society is the Human Development Index (HDI). HDI value already created by the United Nations for Development Programme in 2010 and had ranked Indonesia at 108 of 169 countries with a HDI score of 0.600. This score is better than the score in 2009 of 0.593, with a rank at 111.
Indonesia known as big country in the world, either in size or in population (has around 235 million population in this 2012). This population spread or scattered in 34 provinces. From those 34 provinces, there are still many provinces are categorized as underdeveloped provinces but Papua province is debatable, due to its tremendous natural sources. This study is aim to analyze the two-way relationship between HDI and Poverty Level in Papua Province. In addition, other relevant variables are also analyzed in this study and their impact on the both main variables. Its formulation described as follow: (i). the impact of fitted Poverty Level; government expenditure for education, government expenditure for health, and economics function toward HDI; and (ii). the impact of fitted HDI, population growth, and open unemployment toward Poverty Level.
This study uses secondary data from Statistical Central Bureau and also from Finance Ministry. The method used in this study is simultaneous approach
2SLS manual on panel data model fixed effect in 20 districts and cities in Papua Province from the period of 2007 – 2011. Result on HDI equation shows that only economics function has positive and significant impact on HDI, while poverty level, government expenditure for education and health function have no impact on HDI. Meanwhile, the analysis on Poverty Level equation shows that fitted HDI has negative and significant effect on Poverty Level, population growth has positive and significant and open unemployment has positive and insignificant impact on Poverty Level. It can be concluded that there are no good policies in government expenditure and also there are a high level of poverty as well as population growth in Papua province.
Based on the result of estimation of both equations, HDI has negative and significant impact on poverty level, the opposite way is the same as well, poverty level has negative and significant impact on HDI. Therefore, this study supports the statement that there is two-way relationship and negative impact between HDI and Poverty Level. The proposed of managerial implication is that effects to reduce poverty level should be done hand in hand with effort to increase human development because human capacity is a determining factor for someone’s ability to free themselves out of poverty trap.
Keywords: Government Expenditure; Human Development; Panel Data Regression; Poverty; Simultaneous Approach.
The Strategy Of Sustainable Banking Policy And The Determination Of Lenders Effect Toward Borrowers With Central Bank As The Moderator
Istiana Maftuchaha, Muliaman D.Hadadb, Muhammad Zilal Hamzahc Eleonora Sofildad
a, b Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK), Jl.Lapangan Banteng Timur No.2-4 Jakarta, Indonesia
c Lecture of Sustainable Development Management Program, Trisakti University, Indonesia.
c Indonesian Business School (STIEBI), Jl. Raya Kebayoran lama No. 46 West Jakarta, Indonesia
dSustainable Development Management Program, Economic Faculty, Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 63-86, 2013.
Abstract: In order to realize a rapid and powerful of national development, a strategic role from a bank is required. The strategic roles of bank are included funds saving role from third-party and the funds distribution which are often knows as credit/finance. For the both role, the banks should be healthy. To achieve a healthy, strong and efficient banking system, needed a stability of the financial system as a whole, and furthermore it will drive the growth of the national economy in a sustainable manner by taking into account the conditions in a sustainable development, those are fair and equitable economy, a peaceful and fair of social life and a protected environment. Of course to maintain a healthy and equitable economy, a peaceful and fair of social life and protected environment, is not only the duty of a banking system (which includes: the investors (lenders), investors and banks as finance manager in construction), but also a shared responsibility for other stakeholders such as: non-banking financial institutions and private or other government organizations. Hence, those all will be well maintained (sustainable). In Indonesia, in implementing the concept of sustainable banking, it is not yet known about how the strategies that should be pursued in the capacity of the bank is as “intermediary between borrowers and lenders of money “. When linked with the application of the concept of sustainable on to green business banking, is also not known to what extent banks have a role in the sustainable development.
This study, trying to analyze the influence of the investors (lenders) to the company (borrowers) that considers to the role of Bank Indonesia as the moderator. This study aims to: (i). To formulate the strategies that need to be done to achieve sustainable banking; (ii). To analyze the effect of capital owners (lenders) to sustainable banking; (iii). To analyze the effect of borrowers on sustainable banking, taking into account the role of Bank Indonesia as the moderator, and (iv). To analyze the direct influence of lenders to the borrowers. This study uses two analysis tools, namely: (i). Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model that is used to formulate alternative strategies that need to be done to achieve sustainable banking and determines the weight (priority) of each element of these factors to answer the first research purposes, and (ii). Structural Equation Model (SEM) model that is used to estimates the second, third and fourth of research objectives. Respondents in the study for the first objective is a total of 18 expert personnel in banking which is competent (measured from the aspects of knowledge, skills and attitude) that is the Director of Compliance and Risk Management from 18 general bank in Indonesia. The data is collected by structured interviews (depth interviews). Respondents for the purpose of the second, the third and the fourth, respectively, of 50 respondents from banks that operating in Indonesia (both national and foreign) which are not implementing a sustainable banking policy (at each bank will be taken one to two persons as respondents); 50 respondents for lenders (taken from the investors, workers, businessmen, and housewives), and 50 respondents from the Borrowers. All samples are selected by purposive sampling method.
Based on the analysis results obtained the following conclusions: (i). an alternative strategy that needs to be done to achieve sustainable banking is emerge a stepping stone (stages), and a road map for sustainable banking in Indonesia; (ii). the effect of lenders (owners of capital ) towards sustainable banking is significant; (iii). the effect of sustainable banking to the borrowers (corporation) is significant which moderated by Bank Indonesia; (iv). The influence of lenders to borrowers (not through a bank) is not significant; (v). from the conclusion in number (ii), (iii), and (iv), the effect of lenders on the borrowers which mediated by sustainable banking and mediated by Bank Indonesia, are similar with the behavior of lenders to borrowers as indicated by conventional monetary theory, that is “the lenders (owners of capital) affect borrowers (entrepreneurs who need capital) mediated by the bank”.
Results of this study have implications for sustainable management of banking and Bank Indonesia, among others: (i). stepping stone and road map of sustainable banking need to be made to be easily operated, (ii). a sustainable banking need to maintain the trust of the borrowers and lenders, particularly on security and a reasonable interest rate determination, (iii). the highest leaders, middle and bottom on sustainable banking should be given a training on the concept of sustainable banking and ways to operate these concepts, and (iv). Bank Indonesia needs to hold comparative studies in developing countries those already runs the concept of sustainable banking as a whole.
Keywords: Borrowers; Central Bank; Green Business; Lenders; Sustainable Banking.
Public Interest Litigation as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Akinrinmade Olomu Gbade
Jurisprudence and International Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria.
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 85-100, 2013.
Abstract: Nigeria is a country endowed with a lot of mineral resources and has about 168.8 million people in terms of its population. Unfortunately the estimated life expectancy is 51 years; the country’s GDP is about $262.6 billion while the per capital income is $1,600.
Corruption permeates virtually every sector of the economy, basic necessities of life which promotes good living standards are lacking while government operates as if they are not accountable to its citizens. The enforcement, protection, development and enhancement of public interest, previously was the exclusive preserve of government.
However, the emergence of public interest litigation has changed this position. Private individuals can now file actions towards remedying perceived public wrongs. This development has led to reduction of corrupt tendencies, while government and its agencies are now more responsive and alive to their responsibilities.
It is in the light of the above that this paper sets out to examine the prospects and challenges of public interest litigation as a catalyst for sustainable development in Nigeria. The philosophical and theoretical basis for its formulation and how it has assisted in the recognition and guarantee of some rights and duties which were hitherto initially not justiceable along with its prospects and challenges will also be discussed. Possible solutions to these challenges will also be proffered. The concluding part will discuss the positive influence and contributions of public interest litigation to Nigerian jurisprudence.
Keywords: Interest, Litigation, Nigeria, Public, Sustainable.
Uganda in the 1990s and HIV: a “zero grazing” policy
Viviane Albuquerque
Faculty of Law, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 99-107, 2013.
Abstract: In the late 1980s, Uganda was widely viewed as the country most affected by HIV/AIDS in the world. By 1989, all districts of Uganda were affected with a rural infection rate approaching 18 percent and an urban rate of 30 percent. The Ugandan government’s response chose to focus primarily on reforming sexual behaviour, despite evidence pointing to deficient medical practices as a primary cause of the AIDS outbreak. This paper uses the theory of ‘causal stories’, developed by Deborah Stone, to explain how political issues are framed and policy responses formed. More specifically, it will explain that the story of “sexual promiscuity” closely aligned with pre-existing societal values and reinforced existing political structures. In contrast, the story of “institutional health care failure” would lead to a loss of public support for the government.
This paper argues that there are several reasons why the causal story of sexual promiscuity was more successful than the causal story of institutional failure. First, it was supported by pre-existing programs and cultural values of international, religious and political groups. Second, international donors were also important factors in the creation of Uganda’s AIDS policies. More than 70 percent of Uganda’s funding comes from international sources, and foreign NGOs delivered a substantial amount of Uganda’s health care. Accordingly, Uganda was hesitant to focus on deficient medical practices as a primary cause for the spread of AIDS as it could possibly lead to public discontent on foreign sources and jeopardizing foreign funding. Third, the causal story of sexual promiscuity helped protect the existing political order. This causal story strategically blamed HIV/AIDS’ victims for their immoral sexual behaviour rather than governmental health policies for the misuse of needles and syringes. Last, the argument of sexual promiscuity was supported by the scientific community by conducting studies which focused only on high-risk populations and by not focusing on hospitals as a source for transmission.
As a result, government officials initiated an aggressive nationwide campaign to prevent the spread of AIDS. This campaign argued that the AIDS epidemic in Uganda was caused by grossly promiscuous sexual activity. The dominant message of early HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns encouraged individuals to be faithful to their partner and to have ‘zero-grazing’ behavior. Overall, Uganda’s abstinence and faithfulness campaign launched in 1987 promoted behavioural change by encouraging young people to delay the initiation of sex and urged sexually active adults to reduce their number of sexual partners.
Keywords: Health policy; HIV/AIDS; International aid; Policy choice; Uganda
Solving community problems through participatory Planning: Role of CBO (A case study of Monipuripara, Dhaka)
Nusrat Sharmina, Shrabanti Hiraa, Bandhan Dutta Ayona, Md. Rabiul Awala,
Ishrat Islama, Farzana Khatuna**, Dipita Hossaina
a Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 109-131, 2013.
Abstract: Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has undergone rapid urbanization in an unplanned manner over the years. The high growth rate of urban population has made the city unable to cope with the changing situations of urban life. This large proportion of urban community is bestowed with various types of problems throughout their daily life. This paper provides an overview of the existing problems at community level in an urban area through PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) approach. In this research, an attempt has been made to investigate the physical and social characteristics of the community, activities of the Community Based Organization (CBO), its relationship with other institutions and stakeholders, existing problems of the community, the underlying causes and effects of those problems etc. Finally some internal and external factors reflecting the prospects and limitations of the community, possible solutions of the problems have also been discussed in this research.
CBOs are nonprofit groups that work at a local level to improve the standard of life for residents within the community. A CBO can hold a great role for the overall improvement of a community and can also be used as means to route information and other resources for improving the living conditions in a community. The CBO of Monipuripara residential area of ward no. 27 of Dhaka City Corporation North, named “Monipuripara Kallyan Samiti” has been selected for this study. Different PRA tools have been used (i.e. social and resource map, time line, pair-wise ranking, cause-effect diagram, Venn diagram, SWOT analysis) to identify and evaluate the problems, obstacles, prospects and solutions toward a self-sustained and convenient community as a whole.
The research identifies that the community leaders of the study area and Monipuripara Samabay Samiti (an organization, providing microcredit facility) have great influence on the CBO. They take almost all decisions in CBO considering others’ opinion. It is revealed from the local residents that the community faces several problems among which traffic congestion, increased number of roadside hawkers and inadequate community services are severe. Key Informant Interview has been also conducted to verify the identified problems and cause-effects of those problems.
Throughout the research the mass people and the CBO of this locality have been facilitated to share, enhance and analyze the knowledge of their own neighborhood. However, the community itself affirms possible solutions for the associated problems and some recommendations have also been drawn by the facilitators considering the strength and weakness of the community to reach to a credible conclusion.
Keywords: Community; Community Based Organization (CBO); Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC); Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
Good Governance, Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law: Imperatives for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Adeejat-Kubra Adenike Kolawole
Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 129-143, 2013.
Abstract: Constitutionalism, rule of law and good governance has remained topical and recurring issues in the discourse about African states. The ideals of those concepts however seem to have been continually and continuously been flouted by most African states. Some scholars have argued that the ideal of good governance has continued to elude most states of African descent because of the twin problems of endemic corruption and basic departure from the rule of law and constitutionalism. Thus African states have been accused of having “constitutions without the spirit of constitutionalism”, of having laws without respect for the rule of law and of “creating poverty out of God given wealth” due to lack of good governance. In the last one decade and a half there has been a growing consciousness for the enthronement of these ideals as they have been recognized as the necessary pre-requisites for the attainment of an overall human and capital development and growth of a nation- ideals which are much more needed in developing nations. Through the instrumentality of the African Union (AU) certain laws and initiatives have been put in place such as the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance (giving set guidelines for the conduct of elections) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) initiative of New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) designed to monitor governments of African states in all the realms of their governance activities (the executive, legislative and judiciary). In the West African sub region there is the Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance geared towards the same goal. These have been acclaimed as good steps in the right direction of achieving good governance in the African continent and the West African sub region respectively. Nigeria is an African nation and in particular, a member of ECOWAS. This paper examines the tripartite concepts of constitutionalism, rule of law and good governance in Africa taking Nigeria as the case study. It argues that there is a link between these three concepts as they will continue to be the indices by which the Nigerian nation will be measured in terms of their development not only in terms of economic or capital growth but also in the areas of human development and political wellbeing. The paper argues that although the current efforts of the Nigerian government towards the eradication of endemic corruption (stemming from lack of respect for the rule of law) and the establishment of machineries for good governance are efforts geared towards achieving sustainable development in the country; the activities of certain government agencies in Nigeria belie the goal. Taking a few case studies from the Nigerian experience, it posits that the continuing lack of respect for the rule of law and constitutionalism in Nigeria are the greatest impediments to the attainment of sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper therefore makes some suggestions for policy implications towards the achievement of the overarching goal of sustainable development in Nigeria.
Keywords: Constitutionalism, Good Governance, Human and Capital Growth, Rule of law, Sustainable Development
Elections as a Tool of Democratization in Africa
Oluwakemi Amudat Ayanleye
Department of Business and Industrial law, Faculty of Law, Olabisi Onabanjo
University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Volume 06, Issue 06, Pg. 143-156, 2013.
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a new wave of democratisation process globally and the African continent is witnessing a new drive towards the promotion of democracy and good governance. From the North, to the East, South and West of Africa, authoritarian regimes are giving way to democratic governments. The new drive towards democracy and good governance is currently sweeping through Africa like a wild bushfire and many African countries recently transitioned from authoritarian to democratic forms of governance in consonance with the global trend. Elections have been an integral part of the democratisation process globally as they are an institutionalised attempt at actualizing the essence of democracy, that is, rule of the people by the people and for the people. However, many of Africa’s democratic elections have been marred with extreme controversy and violence. Corruption, massive rigging, ballot box snatching and political violence, and the winner takes all syndrome has impacted negatively on the democratic process. In many African countries, violent protests mark the proclamation of election results. Peaceful handover to opposition parties by the ruling party is rare, while many rulers have become life presidents. There is a general apathy of the electorate to elections as a majority of the people especially those in the rural areas view the state as having little or no relevance to them. This is resultant from the failure of the state to provide social security or any form of social citizenship and has thus alienated a majority of the populace. Committed to the promotion of the universal values and principles of democracy, good governance, human rights and the right to development and determined to promote and strengthen good governance through the institutionalization of transparency, accountability and participatory democracy, the African Union adopted the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (the Charter). This paper appraises the role of elections in ensuring credible and sustainable democratisation process in Africa and the role of the African Union in achieving credible, free and fair elections towards sustainable democratic governance. The paper observes that in spite of the Charter, the ideals of democratic concept have been continually flouted by most African states without appropriate sanctions by the African Union. The paper argues that the Charter though laudable is incapable of ensuring democratic governance in Africa without the political will on the part of the AU. The paper concludes that conducting free, fair and credible elections is sine qua non to democratic consolidation and institutionalised democracy in Africa.
Keywords: Credibility, Democratisation, Elections, Good Governance