Reflections on the Institution of Sponsorship in Francophone West Africa

A vague institution of sponsorship in Francophone West Africa is commonplace. Many states, including Benin, Mali, Guinea Conakry, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal have instituted citizen or political sponsorship. The objective of this provision is to revitalize democratic life and make it more credible. However, many weaknesses resulting from sponsorship may handicap electoral mechanisms. The author presents the problems related to this practice.