Democratic Stability and Regional Economic Integration: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Experience
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the Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Abstract
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The focus of this study is to identify the link between democratic stability and
regional economic integration with special emphasis on the realisation of Customs
Union and Monetary Union as essential planks upon which economic integration
rests in West Africa. Data for the study were gathered through secondary sources.
The findings show that democracy in the ECOWAS sub-region can be described as
generally unstable. The prevalence of electoral malpractice and intractable civil
strife within member states underscore this point. Democratic instability within the
sub-region therefore impacts negatively on the ECOWAS objectives that could lead to
a borderless West Africa within record time. To this effect, the article recommends
deliberate and conscious efforts by political leaders in the sub-region to cultivate and
sustain democratic norms as well as show more commitment to the process. There is
also the need for member states to be more committed to the process of economic
integration.
Keywords
JZ International relations