Flawed elections, compromised judiciary, fertile grounds for military intervention – CSO

says coups in Niger, Gabon, lessons for Nigeria politicians

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), United Action Front of Civil Society has bemoaned the recent spate of civilian and military coups in countries across Africa, stressing that flawed elections and compromised judiciary are fertile grounds for military intervention.

In a press statement on Friday signed by  Wale Okunniyi, popularly called Veteran Che, Head, National Coordinating Centre, United Action Front of Civil Society, noted that military coups are antithetical to the popular aspirations that heralded pro democracy movements of the 80s and 90s and the birthing of democratic governments across African countries that were hitherto under military rule.

He said, “Unfortunately, while it’s recognised that military coups cannot be a viable alternative to democracy, it must be asserted that flawed elections and compromised judiciary cannot be an acceptable standard to the citizens and civil society of any country.

“The recent coup in Gabon, coming after the recent military intervention in Niger Republic signposts a worrisome trajectory of uncertainties for the future of democracy in Africa and the likelihood of instability in Africa.

“It’s regrettable that the emerging incidents of these military interventions all over enjoy popular acclamation from citizens, who should naturally be defending democracy.

“The situation in Gabon as well as Niger speaks to the frustration occasioned by flagrant manipulation of the electoral process by the political class as well as the compromise of the judiciary.

“Democracy appears endangered in Africa, if military coups are perceived as an alternative to reckless civil rule by the citizens, whose hope in the sanctity of the elections and the judiciary have been dashed.

“Notwithstanding, we wish to emphasise that this unfortunate scenario underscores the depth of the failings of political actors, who stage civilian coups against democracy in their countries by undermining democratic institutions, manipulating the electoral process and arm-twisting the judicial system.

“We cannot over-emphasise that the antidote to military intervention in Africa is genuine commitment to the democratisation processes which entails unalloyed commitment to internal workings of institutions of democracy and more importantly the independence of the electoral umpires as well as the judiciary.

“It’s pertinent to reiterate that those who undermine democratic process in Africa and abuse the oath of their offices are only unwittingly setting the stage for a repeat of military intervention,” Okunniyi said.

The CSO cautions that democratic institutions and particularly, the electoral body must be accorded freedom and independence to conduct free and fair elections without hindrances or undue pressure.

“We reiterate that a rigged election only provides a pathway to military coups such as the recent ones in Niger and Gabon and therefore demands greater responsibility and sincerity from electoral umpires and most especially the judiciary so as to safeguard democracy.

The group warns that failure by the Nigerian judiciary to satisfactorily address grievances arising from flawed electoral processes across the country may be providing incentive for military forces, which will be a huge setback and disservice to democracy and the civil society which are supposed to guarantee the peace and general well-being of the country.

“To this end, the Nigerian political class is hereby enjoined to draw a lesson from military interventions in Niger, Gabon and other West African countries and immediately put its acts together before it is too late as the situation in the country is tensed and the signs are ominous,” Okunniyi said.