THE desired objective of democratic elections is to create legitimacy, order and stability in government. This paramount objective should be predicated on the approved wisdom and recognised capacity of the personalities and institutions charged with the conduct of such solemn enterprises. The neutrality of the principal personalities and the statutory institutions handling elections, make for credible processes and the acknowledgement of their veracity and integrity.
The media and civil society organisations are given due recognition and accorded every opportunity to participate in all aspects of observing and reporting on the elections. Their presence in full force provides the necessary vigil in all the polling stations and voting units across the country.
The whole atmosphere of voting in Senegal was that of relaxed and easy ambiance that did not convey a sense of desperation or finality about the process that usually characterise elections in other Africa countries. There were no fears about ballot snatching, ballot burning, attacks on polling stations or election officials, or the general chaos and mayhem that usually entail in such exercises in other places.
This provides conclusive evidence that the citizens have exercised their privilege and right to vote for their preferred candidates. Persons with disabilities and the elderly are assisted throughout the process by officials at the polling units. The crucial act of vote counting which is the nemesis of free and fair elections in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, is rendered simple, transparent and straightforward in Senegal.
In Senegal, the electoral authority CENA, seems to enjoy the trust and confidence of the population, to the extent that results announced by it are hardly challenged in the courts by the losing candidates or parties. Unlike what obtains in Nigeria where lengthy and acrimonious litigations surround almost every presidential election, these are hardly witnessed in Senegal because of the implicit trust of both the candidates and the citizens in the integrity of their electoral bodies and processes.