The Democratic Dividend in Africa

Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher expressed strong misgivings about democracy. He postulated that the framework of democracy was an inferior system of government that undoubtedly devolved into tyranny. A system of government characterized by unbridled pursuit of selfish interests and desires at the expense of the hoi polloi or masses. In other words, most people lack the skill of governing. This lack inevitably leads to poor decision-making. Such decisions harm the common good.

While democracy is largely considered the best system of government, there appears to be growing ambivalence and apathy about its effectiveness and suitability in many quarters of the world. A recent poll conducted by the Open Society Foundations showed that 42% of young people are loosing faith in democracy, primarily due to economic stagnation and climate crisis.

Africa’s experiment with democracy over the past three decades has been a mixed baggage. It has elicited feelings of discontent and apathy. Many people on the continent feel dissatisfied, particularly the youth. In other words, the promise of democracy has not yielded the beneficial results to a large proportion of people. It has unfortunately led to a scenario where the political class and ruling elites amass so much wealth and power. Democracy has become a ruse to loot and plunder the public purse and resources.

The societal benefits of democracy are woefully lacking in many parts of the continent. These benefits include accountability, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Democracy is supposed to improve the living standards of citizens. Elections have become a do or die event where the political end justifies the means. There is a high premium placed on controlling the state, which is the most easily accessible avenue or means of wealth accumulation and power. Consequently, political parties and leaders will do anything to gain absolute power. Politics has become a “rent-seeking” behavior where groups or individual actors accumulate wealth by manipulating the political process.

In light of some of these systemic shortcoming and failures, authoritarian or military regimes are beginning to once again see the light of day on the continent. In other words, authoritarian or military regimes are believed to quickly advance economic development. They do this without the nuances and drawn-out legislative democratic processes, which are often done for political showmanship. Recent developments in Burkina Faso where Ibrahim Traore, a young military leader has been credited for rapidly transforming his country’s economic and socio-political sector. Since taking over power in a military coup in 2022, Burkina Faso has been on an upward trajectory in terms of economic restructuring, infrastructure development, civil and public sector reforms. The country has made measurable and significant strides in just three years. It is also worth noting the vast majority of people in Burkina Faso strongly support Mr. Traore and his economic and political reforms. Burkina Faso’s story could be a litmus test for the continent vis-à-vis its march towards democratic consolidation.

The march towards the consolidation of democracy on the continent is happening slowly. This is largely due to a lack of strong institutions. This slow progress requires attention to strengthen local governing bodies. Establishing robust and effective institutions are essential. These institutions must be transparent and accountable to the people. This is the surest way of bolstering confidence in the people. Elections do not create democracies, democracies create elections. In other words, holding elections every few years does not define or make a country democratic. Democracy is more than just conducting periodic elections. There must be tangible and intangible results that a government provides to its citizens through policy, law, and public administration. More than ever, the masses are yearning for deliverables. Reason and conscience demands it.