Democratic Stability and Regional Economic Integration: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Experience

Onah, Roseline and Ibietan, Jide (2009) Democratic Stability and Regional Economic Integration: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Experience. Nigerian Journal of Public Administration and Local Government, xiv (1). p. 17. ISSN 0189-8094

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	J Political Science > JZ International relations
Divisions:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Humanities
Depositing User:	Mrs Patricia Nwokealisi
Date Deposited:	10 Mar 2015 21:06
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2015 21:06
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/3808

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