In 2024, Africa experienced a wave of elections where some ruling parties maintained control, while others suffered significant electoral losses. Countries like Comoros and Mozambique faced protests against election outcomes, while Botswana notably elected an opposition leader for the first time in decades. The ANC in South Africa lost its majority, Ghana saw a return to power for John Mahama amid economic concerns, and Senegal welcomed its youngest president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, signaling potential democratic shifts amidst regional instability in the Sahel.
Throughout 2024, over a dozen African nations held significant elections, culminating in varied outcomes across the continent. In the Comoros, long-serving President Azali Assoumani secured a fourth term amidst violent protests that followed the opposition’s rejection of the results. Mozambique witnessed the Frelimo party continuing its dominion for almost 50 years, despite challenges from opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, which sparked unrest. Conversely, Namibia’s SWAPO retained power but made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, although the elections were marred by claims of procedural flaws.
In a notable shift, Botswana elected a leader from the opposition for the first time in nearly six decades, resulting in celebrating a political milestone. South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), which had been dominant since the end of apartheid, failed to secure an outright majority for the first time, compelling it to form a coalition government, amid public dissatisfaction with service delivery and allegations of corruption.
East Africa saw President Paul Kagame of Rwanda winning nearly all votes, yet his overwhelming support raised skepticism regarding the democratic process. Analysts pointed out the suppressive political environment that limits opposition.
In West Africa, Ghana’s John Mahama returned to power, defeating the ruling party’s candidate, chiefly due to pressing economic challenges faced by citizens. Meanwhile, the Senegalese election brought Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the youngest president in Africa, to the forefront after a significant political crisis
In contrast, elections were delayed in Sahelian nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, underscoring the military juntas’ efforts to retain control amid escalating restrictions on media and public discourse.
The 2024 elections in Africa represented a significant moment as they highlighted the ongoing struggles between entrenched political parties and emerging opposition movements. Some countries experienced continuity in leadership while others marked pivotal transformations, especially in the context of recent political turbulence characterized by coups and civil unrest. The differing outcomes across the continent illustrate the complex political landscape in Africa, with varied effects on stability and governance. This year’s elections revealed broader public dissatisfaction with ruling elites and emphasized the demand for accountability and democratic engagement.
The elections across Africa in 2024 have underscored a spectrum of political dynamics, where some ruling parties managed to retain power amid protests and unrest, while others faced unexpected defeats. The contrasting outcomes demonstrate both the resilience and discontent within various populations, emphasizing the crucial need for political reform and greater representation. As nations navigate these changes, the quest for stable governance and democratic integrity remains imperative for future progress.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
