they took without basing them on the legislative framework, which, to the credit of legislatures in some countries, provides a sound foundation for this. THE COURTS HAVE, FOR INSTANCE, IN SOME CASES ANNULLED WHAT THEY ADJUDGE TO BE IRREGULAR ELECTIONS NOT HELD ACCORDING TO THE LAW The above notwithstanding, progress by the courts on the continent has not been universal. Some countries have advanced faster than others. Indeed, it is currently not possible to point to elections as defining a universal level of democracy on the continent or even independent adjudication of electoral disputes. Moreover, even for those countries that appear to have made progress, the processes are still fragile and still require nurturing. In addition, there are still jurisprudential and administrative approaches that are the subject of criticism, requiring improvement. 4 THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK IS TO SHOWCASE PROGRESS IN JUDICIAL, QUASI-JUDICIAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE JURISPRUDENCE IN THE ADJUDICATION OF ELECTORAL DISPUTES IN SELECTED AFRICAN COUNTRIES It is against the above context that this book should be understood. The purpose of the book is to showcase progress in judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative jurisprudence in the adjudication of electoral disputes in selected African countries. The jurisprudence reviewed is with respect to disputes that arise at all stages of the electoral process: pre-election, election, and post-election. It is hoped that the critiques and information provide by this book will enhance knowledge on some of the causes of electoral disputes and how these can be adjudicated by the different dispute resolution mechanisms.