Symbolic popular participation in constitution-making and constitutionalism in francophone Africa

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.