The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice says it is ready to adjudicate any election dispute that may arise before, during, or after the continent's general elections this year.

West Africa has experienced a surge in unconstitutional changes in governments, resulting in criticisms against regional bodies such as the ECOWAS Court for failing to act on its mandate of justice delivery.

Speaking to JoyNews, the Head of Legal Services and Research at ECOWAS, Apraku Nketia, says the regional body is ready to hear the grievances of any political group or individual during the period.

“You know, the court as an institution of ECOWAS is actually coordinated without other institutions of ECOWAS by the secretariat, which is the ECOWAS Commission. What I know is that there is an early warning committee that is sent to these countries to monitor. Infractions of electoral laws and the rest.

“Once such infractions are flouted, and the people who are affected, let us say that if a political party thinks that some of the doings of the sitting government are not going well, they can come to court to remedy the situations.”

Mr. Nketia pointed out that the ECOWAS Court had successfully handled various disputes, including the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire.

He stressed that the proactiveness of the parties involved in electoral matters is essential for the court to function effectively.

He also stated that there are numerous provisions governing elections in member countries, and the court respects such provisions, including Ghana's.

“Ghana is not an exemption; we treat all member countries the same; if it were an election, the early warnings team would come, followed by some monitoring team, and then we would invite memoranda from stakeholders. If they think that part of the rules of engagement is not being probably harnessed or abused, the court is there to receive such a petition and deal with it.”