Answer to Question #132110 in Political Science for Ole

Question

Is Democracy in Africa is it a myth or a reality?

Answer 1

Democracy in Africa

Democracy can be described as a system of government that values the separation of powers, foundational freedoms, and the rule of law. In Africa, Democracy is more of a myth than a reality. Often elections are used as proof of democracy in a country. Any government that violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people loses its democratic legality. Following an annual assessment produced by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation that focuses on the events that take place between elections, good governance is defined as the rule of law and respect of human rights.

Elections in Africa always turn out violent compared to other continents. Violence during elections arises when voters feel that there has been an election fraud or when leaders incite their protests due to their insecurities concerning their opponents. Most leaders in Africa are never willing to hand over power peacefully as they seek to prolong their tenures contrary to their respective countries’ constitutions. Blaise Compaore tried to stretch his 27-year presidency tenure in Burkina Faso, and this did not go well with the citizens as there was an eruption of violence.

In Africa, nine leaders have manipulated power for more than 20 years: three of the nine have been at the wheels for more than 30 years. This shows the lack of transparency in the election system across the continent. The most crucial element of any institution is leadership and management. Thus for a government to achieve its goals, there must be a disciplined management structure to enhance democratic governance (Chessman, 2018).