Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-19-2021

Keywords

Houngue, Benin, Election Disputes, Megapolitics, Constitutional Law, African Court on Human and Peoples Rights

Abstract

The judgment in Houngue Éric Noudehouenou v. Republic of Benin adds to the growing body of human rights jurisprudence on national electoral processes in Africa’s international courts. The decision demonstrates the growing importance of Africa’s regional and sub-regional courts as an alternative venue for opposition politicians, activists, and citizens to mobilize and challenge election processes and constitutional amendment processes where the playing field in their state is uneven. In turn, it reinforces the pivotal role of the regional and sub-regional courts in consolidating democratic governance in Africa, and reveals the limits of assessing the performance of Africa’s international courts solely on conventional measures of effectiveness and compliance.

Comments

This article has been published in a revised form in The American Journal of International Law, accessible at: https://doi.org/10.1017/ajil.2021.16. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works.

Download

Share

COinS