Democracy remains best form of government – Justice Asante
Justice Edward Asante, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, said that in spite of the region’s current challenges, democracy remains the best form of government.
Asante made this known during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 5th Legislature of the 2nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, 2023, held in Abuja.
Supreme News reports that the session was scheduled from Nov. 22 to Dec. 15 2023, and it is designed to witness the swearing-in of new parliamentarians amongst other activities of the event.
The event would also have critical issues divided among committees being discussed which would be cantered on Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources, Health, Legal Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment amongst others.
Asante said that democracy remains the best form of government that requires the collective effort of the leadership and followership to work.
“Therefore, as a form of representation of the people, it is expected that those responsible must realise that it is an opportunity to serve and not precipitate hegemonic and authoritarian rule by a few for themselves.
“The ECOWAS parliament will therefore need to provide the leadership for the engagement required through the national parliaments to interrogate our current democratic culture.
“This will require reforms that will precipitate improvements in our democratic systems in order to end this creeping encroachment of the military into our democratic space.
“As the Community institution whose mandate helps to strengthen respect for human rights, accountability and political stability, the Court stands ready to contribute to the consolidation of democracy in the region.
“Through fidelity with the discharge of its mandate which contributes to entrenching a culture of respect for the rule of law, accountability and political stability,’’ he said.
The president encouraged the parliament to take every necessary steps, to work with the members of national parliaments to ensure the seamless enforcement of its decisions.
Also, he added that by so doing, it would strengthen community law and respect for human rights, transparency and accountability.
“Moreover, it should take the leadership to ensure that Member States internalize a culture of democracy, rule of law and good governance as well as adopt preventive measures for strict compliance.
“Additionally, Parliament can also help in other areas such as helping the States to commit to the establishment of ideals and the reinforcement of agreed international protocols for the promotion of the rule of law.
“It will also strengthen the means for settling electoral disputes at the national level, in addition to enacting laws and setting up mechanisms for the independent adjudication of electoral disputes,’’ he said.
