African Elections Perceived as Inconvenient by Ruling Parties
The article argues that elections in Africa are increasingly viewed as an inconvenience by ruling political parties. It uses the example of José Eduardo dos Santos in Angola, who came to power in September 1979 at the age of 37. Dos Santos, chosen to succeed the MPLA's founding president Agostinho Neto, remained in power for 31 years by 2010. The author suggests that this longevity, facilitated by the ruling party's control, points to a broader trend where established regimes find democratic processes disruptive to their continuous hold on power. The piece implies that the convenience of maintaining power often outweighs the perceived necessity of regular electoral challenges in some African nations. The author, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, expresses this viewpoint in his commentary.
The article highlights a potential systemic issue in African governance where entrenched ruling parties may perceive electoral processes as obstacles to sustained power, rather than as essential mechanisms for democratic accountability. This perspective suggests a tension between the desire for political stability, as defined by incumbents, and the principles of democratic renewal. The long tenures of some leaders, as exemplified by José Eduardo dos Santos's 31 years in power, raise questions about the efficacy of electoral systems in ensuring regular leadership transitions. Future governance models in Africa may need to address incentives that encourage adherence to democratic norms, potentially through strengthened independent electoral commissions and constitutional term limits, to ensure that elections serve their intended purpose of facilitating peaceful power transfers and reflecting the will of the populace.
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