Is Democracy working in African Countries?

The rule of law is a foreign concept in many African countries. Many autocratic African leaders rule for decades and seek ways to amend the constitution to prolong their stay in power. So far, nine African presidents have been in power for more than 20 years with additional three ruling for over 30 years. Ironically, it is only in 2015 when Nigeria became the first country In Africa for an opposition party to rise to power. Even though it is a daunting task to shove democracy in some African leaders, some have been undemocratic since post-colonial period, and this leads to war, hatred, tribalism, and feud. What makes many African countries undemocratic?

Greed for Power: Elections are a good indicator of democratic rule in any country. African elections have been marked with ridging, voter bribing, killing of protestors, jailing of opposition leaders, and making sure democratic bodies unable to enforce the rule of the law. In most cases, plenty elections conducted in African countries do not reflect on the will of the people, which is what democracy is all about. Even though many elections are seen legal to the eyes of international observers, they end up being illegitimate fueling wars and feuds.  A good example is with Kenya 2017 presidential election. Despite the use of biometric system for voters’ registration, transmission of results electronically was a menace, which the Kenya High Court ordered for a re-run of the presidential election.  

Nonetheless, some African countries are democratic and experienced a successfully and peaceful transition of power.  Others are working to revise their democratic systems, with countries as Nigeria, Ghana, and Botswana being lauded as countries portraying a good example in solving technology deficit. 

In order to make democracy work in African Countries, some countries constitutions need amendments. The amendment will ensure leaders (presidents or Prime Ministers) do not have authority to prolong their stay in power.  In addition, a maximum age requirement need to be set for running for office, and a maximum term limit for staying in  power. Lastly, the issue of the winner takes it all in elections should be revamped/it will ensure an equal distribution of resources in different parts of the country, regardless political affiliation. 

By Samson Ogaye

Africa Global News Publication