African elections workshop spotlights declining faith in democracy

An Afrobarometer survey of 30 African countries, including Namibia, shows a decline in a preference for democracy.

Seventy-three percent of Africans preferred democracy between 2011/2013 as opposed to 66% in 2021/2023.

In Namibia, the preference for democracy among citizens dwindled from 64% to 55%.

Open Society Foundations senior advisor on advocacy Jeggan Grey-Johnson said the data indicates a loss of faith in democratic elections.

Grey-Johnson shared this at a regional workshop in Windhoek on the information ecosystem and elections in Africa.

“Alarmingly, they found that 53% of respondents said that a coup would be legitimate if civilian leaders abused their power, which they often do, so that tells us something. What it also tells us, I think, is the fact that the continent is perhaps facing one of the greatest challenges to peace, security, and stability that it has since independence” remarked Grey-Johnson.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Commissioner Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo raised concern over internet and network disruption or shutdowns during electoral periods.

Topsy-Sonoo further stressed that effective management of electoral systems requires institutions that are inclusive, sustainable, just, and independent.