One of the most important aspects of a functioning democracy is its ability to hold its leaders accountable. A lack of checks and balances or of electoral accountability can lead to democratic …
Ian Khama’s Abuse of the Executive in Botswana by Seth Bartlett @ Yale University
Botswana is often considered the poster child of post-colonial democratic transition in Sub-Saharan Africa. It has been lauded for maintaining apparently free and fair elections as well as for its …
Does the Deteriorating Legitimacy of Several of Ghana’s Democratic Institutions Threaten its Status as a Model Democracy for Africa? by Tyler Morley @ Yale University
The 2016 Presidential election in Ghana was one of the more anticipated sub-Saharan election in recent history. As Ghana is often referred to as a “model democracy” for sub-Saharan Africa, champions …
Repeated State of Emergency Declaration (SOE) in Ethiopia, a Risk of a Slide to a Closed Autocracy by Soli Gebremichael @American University
Befekadu Hailu, a renowned blogger; was taken from his house by civilian clothed security forces on November 11th, 2016 morning. He spent the followed 33 days in a detention camp, being forced of …
Decline of Democracy Via Term Limits in Africa: Why the Support and Maintenance is Critical by Andre’ James Thomas @ American University
Term limits and mainly their removal has been widely sought after in African politics. From 1990-2009, twenty-four presidents of varying countries attempted a constitutional amendment and twelve …
Threats to Nigerian Democracy: The Discussion on the Resource Curse by Andre’ James Thomas @ American University
Nigeria, when one eyeballs the data, should be an African Powerhouse and maybe even poster example for the possibilities of the eradication of poverty, health issues, literacy rates and a weak …
Too Many Acts of Violence Involved in Sierra Leonean General Election, 2018, Hurt the Democracy in Sierra Leone by Lei Guo @ Ohio State University
On March 7th, the voting result of Sierra Leonean General Election, 2018 came out. Turned out, Julius Maada Bio from Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) got 43.3% of the total votes. Samura Kamara, the …
Pick a Side: Signs of Democratic Backsliding in Kenya by Gabrielle Minotti @Ohio State University
With riots, a nullified election, attempted government shutdowns of the media, a new fake president, and two powerful political leaders polarizing the country, Kenya has certainly had a dramatic past …