ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS IN WEST AFRICA Elections are a backbone of democracy. In West Africa, however, elections are often contentious and triggers of violence. Friedrich­Ebert-Stiftung(FES), a German private, non-profit organization committed to the ideas and basic values of social democracy, therefore works towards enhancing electoral standards in West Africa, and facilitates regional exchanges of experiences and debates about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in electoral processes. The comparative study at hand identifies similarities and differences in the set-up, roles and functioning of national electoral commissions in the 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS). By providing lessons learnt and best practices, the study shall assist those who seek to improve electoral processes and who aspire to introduce electoral norms and higher electoral standards in West Africa, most notably the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions(ECONEC). Author: Mr. Mathias HOUNKPE Prof. Ismaila Madior FALL A COMPARATIVE STUDY Published in Nigeria 978 978 906 179 5 ISBN: 978 978 906 179 5 Mr. Mathias HOUNKPE Prof. Ismaila Madior FALL