The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War, a benchmark date in international politics which created opportunities for democratic transitions, not only in Europe and the former Soviet Union, but also in Africa. As a result of the end of the Cold War, there was a swift change in political and economic systems across the continent. But close to three decades since the democratic winds swept across Africa, one wonders whether the democratic changes are real or simply a façade constructed by desperate political leaders with the aim of maintaining their political power. This article makes an analysis of the recent state of democracy in Africa, drawing from the basic principles of this form of governance.
In early 1990s, international donors emphasized democratic political reforms as key factors in the determination of future economic reforms. This implies that the politicians did not willingly carry out the changes but were coerced by these conditionalities. This partly explains why democracy is eroding at a high rate. The leaders of many African countries have been quick to take back their power, resorting to autocratic rule
Abraham Lincoln once defined democracy simply as a government of the people, by the people. Democracy is a universally recognised ideal as well as a goal, which is based on common values shared by peoples throughout the world community irrespective of cultural, political, social and economic differences. It is thus a basic right of citizenship to be exercised under conditions of freedom, equality, transparency and responsibility, with due respect for the plurality of views, and in the interest of the polity. However, the reality is different in many African governments that claim to be exercising democratic governance. The crackdown on dissenting voices through the use of the coercive forces of government raises high concern.
As an ideal form of governance, democracy has the potential to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of individuals, achieve social justice, foster the economic and social development of a nation, strengthen the cohesion of society and enhance national tranquillity, as well as to create a climate that is favourable for international peace. It is the best way of achieving these objectives and the only political system that has the capacity for self-correction. What then, makes it so difficult for many political leaders to uphold a form of governance that they claim to ascribe to? When it comes to democratic values and norms, most African leaders are merely talkers and not doers, they are pro-democracy only to the extent that it doesn’t threaten their grip on to power.
Democratic governance flourishes where there is existence of well-structured and well-functioning institutions, yet Africa is characterized by strong men vis-a-vis weak institutions syndrome. From experience, strong men tend to weaken institutions and even though they start well with good intentions, many turn dictatorial which has affected the democratic processes in many African nations. The strong men vs weak institutions syndrome is also witnessed in political party organization where one man dictates the decisions of the party and not the party structures. These political parties usually don’t survive past that particular strong leader. I think Africa doesn’t need strong men but strong institutions because strong institutions can check the powers of the leaders. Unfortunately, many African leaders have weakened institutions to serve their personal interests and if one is to draw examples from recent history, very few strong men in Africa remained subordinate to the laws.
In addition to the above factor, democracy is founded on the right of everyone to take part in the management of public affairs, it requires the existence of representative institutions at all levels and, in particular, a Parliament in which all components of society are represented and which has the requisite powers and means to express the will of the people by legislating and overseeing government action. The existence of an active civil society and a free press are also essential elements of holding those in political power accountable. However, in many African countries, the civil society space is shrieking, and journalism is treated like a crime.
A key element in the exercise of democracy is the holding of free and fair elections at regular intervals enabling the people’s will to be expressed. These elections must be held on the basis of universal, equal and secret suffrage so that all voters can choose their representatives in conditions of equality, openness and transparency that stimulate political competition. However, the notion of free and fair elections is highly contested in many African countries and recent events in the U.S. have set a bad example for electoral democracy for the rest of the world. Vote rigging during elections is witnessed in many African countries. This is as a result of leaders who rise to power and once in office, use all resources at their disposal to cling to power. It is important to note that most political parties are not founded on clear ideology and neither are they organized enough to form a formidable opposition as many are funded by the very regimes they claim to oppose and this factor has made the electorate lose trust in the electoral process.
With President Joe Biden in the White House, I expect increased external pressure on dictatorships alongside an intensified internal pressure from ordinary people who continue to make the case for liberal values. The role of regional bodies in promoting democracy and good governance cannot be ignored when looking at the state of democracy on the continent. Regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have played a crucial role in promoting and protecting democratic values and norms in western Africa unlike their counterparts such as the East African Community (EAC) that have not been able to exert enough pressure on dictatorial regimes, this explains the regional differences across the continent as far as democracy is concerned.
While democracy is not a one-shoe-fits-all and should not be treated as such, it remains the best form of governance compared to other forms despite of its flaws. The principles of democracy that work in the western world may not be the same principles that work in Africa or elsewhere in the world. It is therefore important to identify the political, economic, social and cultural needs different African countries are facing, that democratic norms and values can solve. There is growing consensus that liberal principles of democracy are under attack by identity politics. This poses a great danger because Africa, like the rest of the world is made up of diverse societies and basing national identity on religion or ethnicity yields divisions which consequently lead to violent conflicts.
Majority of Africans still believe that democracy is the surest path to development and sustainable peace. This explains why the thirst for real democratic change is growing stronger across the continent, especially among the young people. One cannot say with certainty what the future holds for democratic governance in Africa but with an educated young population who are the future leaders, and an increasingly robust and politically active public, I think there is a glimpse of hope.
Patricia Namakula,
Head of Research and Public Relations
