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Managing Elections during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Considerations for Decision-makers

In the midst of the extraordinary challenges and uncertainty stemming from COVID-19, decision-makers are under increasing pressure to determine how to manage the pandemic’s immediate impact on, and consequences for, the timing and sequencing of elections. These decisions cannot be taken lightly, as they could jeopardize public health and shape the state of democracy in their countries, states or territories for years to come.

Under the shadows of COVID-19, a potential African spring of alternation of power

The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed critical developments in Africa that would otherwise have occupied front pages. This piece covers the recent backslide in Guinea, following President Alpha Conde’s third term temptation, and charts a hopeful positive end to the crisis. Crucially, it notes that 2020 will witness a number of peaceful alternations of power that the African Union should promote.

New Policy Brief: Constitutional and Legal Perspective on the Philippines’ COVID-19 Response

The Policy Brief "Constitutional and Legal Perspective on the Philippines’ Covid-19 Response" provides a snapshot analysis of the response to COVID-19 in the Philippines through June 2020, recognizing the fluidity of the virus and the response itself. The Brief lays out the constitutional and legislative framework for the response as well as analysis on the constitutional issues that have arisen thus far.

Malawi’s victory for democracy: After the euphoria, long, hard work

Lazarus Chakwera’s victory as the new president of Malawi represents a remarkable reversal of fortunes for Peter Mutharika, who almost a year ago was declared the winner in national polls. But the decision was annulled by the country’s judges, and a date for a new election set. The outcome has been greeted with euphoria by the victor and his supporters. But as this subsides, the hard, long work begins.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Anglophone Countries of Central and West Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a health challenge for anglophone countries of Central and West Africa, it is also a litmus test for the consolidation and sustainability of their democratic governance systems.

In that regard, respect for constitutionalism and rule of law during emergency contexts, adopted by governments to stop the spread of the virus, remains a priority.

Constitutional, legal and political lessons from elections in the time of pandemic – The French Republic

On the 22 May, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that the final round of municipal elections will take place on 28 June 2020, provided that the election is not deemed a health risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The date of the election was confirmed by President Macron on 14 June as part of a wider announcement that mainland France would lift Coronavirus lockdown measures from 15 June.

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