INTRODUCTION F ree and democratic elections constitute the fundamental criterion for democracy, at least in its thriving liberal acceptance since the fall of the Berlin Wall. However, this is a basic criterion which is often lacking in political regimes after accession to independence, even if they claim to be democratic. As a matter of fact the political development of the African continent reveals that attainment of democracy has been arduous. Democratic deficits were first experienced in form of political authoritarianism; regimes which were established in quick succession were characterized mostly by their totalitarian tendencies, i.e. their attempts to govern almost all aspect of citizen's lives while not tolerating any serious form of opposition to their regimes. Often, under the pretence of the need to build up fledging nations or achieve economic and social development, governments in power displayed little respect for civil liberties and right of objection. Whenever no heavy burden weighs on the political opposition, elections leave no choice or appear like organized enactments with results known well in advance and scores of votes in favour of those in power. This was the case of many changes of power which took place in the 1990s, thirty years after the attainment of political independence from colonial masters. The absence of democracy on the African continent has, among others things, resulted in a lack of political changes and renewal of the political class and elites. In all the cases, official bodies in charge of the organization of election, especially Ministries of Interior in Francophone countries, 10