Law and Economy

Electoral Governance in Africa at a Turning Point: Challenges, Reforms, and Democratic Outcomes in Cameroon and Ghana

2026-06-02T07:25:16+00:00

This article examines electoral governance in Africa through a comparative analysis of Cameroon and Ghana, with a particular focus on the challenges, reform trajectories, and democratic outcomes associated with electoral processes. Grounded in the normative framework of international and regional human rights law, the study interrogates the extent to which electoral systems in both countries comply with standards set out in instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Adopting a qualitative, doctrinal, and comparative research methodology, the study analyzes constitutional provisions, electoral laws, institutional practices, and scholarly literature to assess the effectiveness of electoral governance frameworks. The analysis is further informed by Rule of Law Theory and Utilitarian Theory, which together provide a dual lens for evaluating both the legality and societal impact of electoral processes. The findings reveal significant disparities between the two countries. Ghana demonstrates relatively stronger electoral governance, characterized by institutional independence, credible reforms, and peaceful transfers of power, thereby contributing to democratic consolidation. In contrast, Cameroon’s electoral system is constrained by limited institutional autonomy, electoral irregularities, and weak implementation of reforms, resulting in diminished public trust and contested democratic outcomes. The study further finds that while both states have ratified key international and regional instruments, compliance remains uneven, particularly in terms of practical enforcement. The article concludes that effective electoral governance requires more than formal legal frameworks; it demands genuine institutional independence, political will, and alignment with human rights standards. It recommends comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening electoral institutions, enhancing transparency, and promoting inclusive political participation. The study contributes to scholarship by integrating legal-normative and outcome-based analyses to provide a more holistic understanding of electoral governance and democratic legitimacy in Africa.

The Link Between Consignee’s Liability and Ownership in Transported Goods

2026-07-03T08:22:21+00:00

In logistics and transportation, the link between consignee’s liability and ownership in transported goods is often based on legal and financial responsibilities for the cargo which refers to title to the goods and is primarily defined by the contract of carriage of goods, its legal document viz the Bill of Lading and specific incoterms. The research problem revolves on the obscured maritime legislative nature lack of specific rules that clearly spare out consignee’s liability and corresponding relationship with goods in a maritime carriage contract. The main objective is to identify and portray specific circumstances under which the relationship between consignee’s liability and ownership in transported goods can be established in a maritime carriage contract. Findings further proved a lacunae in the marine legislations to determine and establish consignee’s relation with goods as per ownership, and demarcating boundaries for liability. This piece concludes that in spite of clarity of consignee’s responsibility, there is need for their liability towards cargo ownership to be properly established. This therefore recommend a revisit of maritime legislations to strengthen responsibilities and spare out their liabilities and limitations.

Children as Vulnerable Persons in Armed Conflicts: A Legal Analysis of the Anglophone Conflict in Cameroon

2026-07-15T03:17:21+00:00

Armed conflicts have a disproportionate impact on civilian populations, with children being among the most vulnerable. Their physical immaturity, dependence on adults, and limited capacity for self-protection expose them to heightened risks of violence, exploitation, displacement and deprivation of their fundamental rights. This study examines the legal status of children as vulnerable persons in armed conflict, with specific focus on the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon. It adopts a qualitative research methodology and employs the doctrinal method, relying on content analysis of both primary and secondary sources of data. The study is underpinned by Martha Fineman’s Vulnerability theory and the Human Rights-Based Approach, which emphasise the responsibility of the State to provide enhanced protection for inherently vulnerable groups. The study finds that the Anglophone conflict has significantly intensified violations of children’s rights to health, education and overall development, while also exposing them to various forms of exploitation. Although international human rights law and international humanitarian law provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of children in armed conflicts, their effectiveness is undermined by weak enforcement, insecurity and socio-economic challenges. The study concludes that protecting children in armed conflicts must remain a central legal and policy priority. It therefore recommends the implementation of stronger enforcement mechanisms, targeted training programs and effective reintegration and psychosocial support systems.

Adapting Chinese Live Commerce Model to the United States Beauty and Fashion Industry: Strategic Insights into Cross-Border Expansion of a TikTok Live Award-Winning Practitioner

2026-07-22T09:04:45+00:00

Over the past few years, Chinese live commerce has undergone a paradigm shift from being traffic-dividend-driven to fine-grained operations-driven. This shift has consolidated transferable core capabilities, including dual-wheel-driven content scenarios and shelf scenarios, data-driven product selection decisions, and flexible supply chain responsiveness. The US TikTok e-commerce market is currently in a phase of rapid growth. The beauty and fashion category, characterized by strong visual expressiveness, obvious impulsive purchasing attributes, and large profit margins, has become a key strategic sector for Chinese cross-border sellers to lay out. Taking the cross-border practice of New Start Plus Agency as a sample, this paper analyzes the differences between Chinese and US live commerce across traffic ecosystems, user behaviors, and conversion logistics. It proposes growth paths for the beauty and fashion category spanning product selection adaptation, content localization, and supply chain responsiveness. Furthermore, it discusses the scale expansion planning and organizational support strategies for growing from 2 to 6 live studios, providing strategic references for the globalization of Chinese cross-border live commerce.