Mmegi

Flawed elections and poor governance underlie Africa’s backsliding

In reality, Africans still believe in the promise of democracy but want elections to be free and fair PIC: AFP
In reality, Africans still believe in the promise of democracy but want elections to be free and fair PIC: AFP

With nearly 20 polls this year, can a floundering AU give elections the attention they desperately need? How do we explain the developmental and governance reversals now haunting Africa? Reasons for the apparent collapse of security are complex, but the thread running through insurgencies, coups and instability is slow development, bad governance and the nature of Africa’s demographic transitions.

Geopolitics marked by increasing competition makes for an unfavourable international environment. And although the global context influences Africa’s conflicts, a history of instability is the top indicator of future dissension in a country.

Conflict on the continent peaked at the height of the Cold War.


Editor's Comment
Tana project a welcome development

Whilst the project received mixed reactions from members of the public, the project is indeed a welcome development, which needs to be implemented as soon as possible. Many shared their opinion, with those against the project decrying that if implemented, it will kill the already struggling public transport industry.Many countries around the world have state-run public transport, and those who have travelled to such countries will give testimony...

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