Securitisation of African elections
Friday, January 27, 2023 | 90 Views |
In fact electoral violence is on the rise in Africa. Despite more than 20 years of adopting democratic governance, democratic indicators are relatively unchanged over the course of 20 years, and electoral violence has a detrimental effect on citizens’ view of democracy.
Elections across sub-Saharan Africa are frequently accompanied by fears of electoral violence and shrill calls for peace from civil society, journalists, governments, and international actors.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...