There is no doubt that a free and fair election is a sine qua non for electoral
democracy, but not every election fulfils these criteria. Against this premise
this paper attempts to explore theoretical postulations vis-à-vis elections.
With brief introductory remarks emphasising the importance of elections to
democratic sustenance and consolidation, the paper proceeds to examine
the democratic utility of elections in all regions and climes and the
misconception that elections held regularly are an end in themselves and
not a means to an end. The third section dwells on the necessary prerequisites
for the conduct of a free and fair election, thereby bringing out the peculiar
existential reality of African politics. The paper infers that democratic
sustenance via elections may not be easily attainable until African politicians
become democrats themselves. This is not unconnected with the fact that no
polity can nurture democracy until democrats evolve.