Analysis - The COVID-19 pandemic is the exception that proves the rule that ''tyranny begins where the laws[1] end''. West Africa has experienced exceptional situations, often as a result of conflicts or political crises. However, the path that Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Niger are about to follow is fraught with pitfalls as the institutions of democratic governance do not seem adequately prepared. Can we imagine the threats to the political situations if elections were to be postponed because of the pande