Democracy on trial in Africa as 19 countries hold polls in coming months

Sunday January 21 2024

There are fears of voter apathy and violence as some African leaders rarely allow a fair competition.

By LUKE ANAMI

IN SUMMARY

Civil society observers say 2024 will be a huge test to democracy.
According to Open Society Foundation, the decline of democracy seems imminent going by the most recent elections on the continent.
The biggest presidential race is in South Africa, where the African National Congress is fighting for survival.

A third of Africa’s voters will head to the polls in this year, amid fears of voter apathy, violence and an uncompromising opposition in a majority of at least 19 African countries.