Yesterday, at the Leadership Democracy in Africa Forum at Yale University, the 2023 presidential candidate of the labour party addressed the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in Africa. He highlighted that while many African nations aspire to democratic ideals, only a handful genuinely operate as democracies, with political systems often influenced by external models instead of being tailored to local realities. He underscored the limitations of the presidential system, advocating for a shift towards a more inclusive parliamentary approach to governance that better represents the people’s interests.
He pointed out that the people’s votes frequently fail to reflect their genuine wishes and aspirations due to systemic flaws. Furthermore, he stressed that leaders often do not fulfill the promises made during election campaigns, and when services are provided, elected officials sometimes manipulate the system for personal gain.
He emphasized that true progress in Africa relies on building robust institutions, respecting term limits, and prioritizing good governance. He argued that Africa must forge its own democratic path, one rooted in accountability, inclusivity, and resilience against external geopolitical influences. His message was clear: Africa’s future lies in a democracy that reflects its unique needs and circumstances, not in imitation of foreign systems.
