QUESTION OF THE DAY
WHAT IS A TERM LIMIT AND HOW MANY COUNTRIES IN WEST AFRICA DO NOT HAVE
TERM LIMIT?
Monarchs stay in power until they die and are replaced by their
children. In a Republic the people elect their leaders. Anybody from
any background could become President.Term limit is meant to prevent a trend where a leader manipulates the
electoral system through intimidation and inducement to stay in office
for life like a monarch. In many instances, such leaders also groom
their children by making them Generals in the armed forces so that
they could inherit their throne when they die.
This is why many Republics introduced term limit to prevent self
perpetuating rule. Term limit imposes a restriction on the number of
times a person could stand to seek the office of President after
occupying the post for a term.
The standard now is to serve two four or five year term. In Ghana the
standard is two five year terms. In Nigeria the standard is two four
year terms.
In West Africa, only Gambia and Togo do not have term limits. After 21
years, any leader with Republican and Democratic values would be
preparing for life after the presidency instead of fighting tooth and
nail to be president for life which is impossible.
