Symbolic popular participation in constitution-making and constitutionalism in francophone Africa
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Date
Authors
Fombad, Charles Manga
Socher, Johannes
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Edinburgh University Press
Abstract
Increasingly, popular participation has come to be regarded globally as a best practice in constitution-making. This article examines the different forms of popular participation in the most recent constitution-making processes in francophone Africa and its possible impact on constitutionalism. As will be shown, the dominant forms continue to be symbolic. Moreover, we argue that while it cannot be said conclusively that a high level of popular participation in constitution-making automatically enhances the prospects for constitutionalism, there is evidence to suggest that the dominant symbolic form of popular participation has had a negative impact on the legitimacy, constitutional stability, and the entrenchment of the core elements of constitutionalism in francophone Africa.
Description
Keywords
Constitutionalism, Constitution-making, Francophone Africa, Popular participation, SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-16:Peace,justice and strong institutions
Citation
Fombad, C.M. & Socher, J. 2024, 'Symbolic popular participation in constitution-making and constitutionalism in francophone Africa', African Journal of International and Comparative Law, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 558-574, doi : 10.3366/ajicl.2024.0505.