KAS South Africa - Country Office’s Post

A brilliantly written post-election reflection on #Senegal by colleagues who capture the sentiments of Senegalese, and indeed, African young people, regarding democracy and respect of the rule of law. Worth a read!

Did you know South Africans do not directly vote for their President? Instead, it is the responsibility of the 400 National Assembly representatives. Surprised? Well, there is even more to discover about African politics! 👇🏾 Read about Africa’s upcoming elections in May 2024 and the recent Presidential Election in Chad. —————— I’d also love to hear your thoughts—on what you found most intriguing or new? ♻️ Share and follow for the latest updates. #politics #governance #Africa

Today #SouthAfrica wakes up to a new era in its multi-racial democracy.   For the first time since the 1994 election that marked the end of apartheid, the ANC failed to win a parliamentary majority in last month’s election. It was forced to form alliances with other parties in a government of national unity – a humbling moment for the party and turning point for the nation.   South Africa’s new national unity government will theoretically ensure representation in government for all participating parties, with decisions being made by consensus. Will it work?   Despite the success of patching together a coalition in such a short time, the challenges for President Ramaphosa and his new partners in government remain profound. Here are three key takeaways on the South African elections from Highgate’s Senior Vice President, Alastair Sloan, and Vice President, Ileana Konialidis.

"A resilient democracy is characterized by strong political opposition as it provides a system of checks and balances, promotes healthy political competition necessary for development, and protects against the consolidation of power by a few.........Peaceful transitions not only strengthen democratic norms but also establish positive precedents for the continuity of governance – an important lesson for the African continent." Our Africa Division Intern, Ana'ayi Dangabai wrote this brilliant op-ed on what lessons African countries can learn from the recently concluded Senegalese presidential elections. https://lnkd.in/dEbPkjYB

Ghana has witnessed the leadership of several presidents who have each contributed uniquely to the nation's development. These leaders, elected through democratic elections, have navigated complex socio-economic challenges and opportunities, shaping Ghana's trajectory towards a more prosperous future. Click to learn more about these presidents who have served under the Fourth Republic. #GhanaLeadership #PresidentialImpact #DemocraticElections #SocioEconomicDevelopment #NationalDevelopment #GhanaianHistory

The United States congratulates the South African people on successful national & provincial elections. This year’s elections marked three decades of all South Africans having the opportunity to exercise the fundamental right to vote. We remain committed to deepening our cooperation & advancing our shared interests with #SouthAfrica, including expanding economic prosperity, combating the climate crisis, & ensuring that democracy delivers. We look forward to joint efforts to forge a more peaceful & prosperous #future for all. #Africa #BestAdvice #Business #BusinessIntelligence #Commerce #Economics #Economy #ExecutivesAndManagement #Finance #Finances #Inclusion #Investing #Law #Leadership #Markets #Money #Productivity #Strategy #Success #Sustainability

When 79 of 114 armed conflicts worldwide are concentrated in one region (according to the Geneva Academy), all aspects of democracy are hit: #Representation, #Rights, #RuleofLaw, and #Participation. But with 22 national elections taking place this year, there is more to the #democracy story in #Africa and #WesternAsia. Our International IDEA #DemocracyTracker regional page proposes a more granular analysis. ⬇️ https://bit.ly/AWApg

Celebrating Democracy in South Africa Since our establishment in 1965, our firm has witnessed the evolution of South Africa's legal and political landscape. This year marks another milestone in our democratic journey as South Africa successfully concluded its seventh general election on May 29, 2024. The election, hailed as free and fair, reaffirms the nation's commitment to democracy and constitutional order.   Recent Election Outcomes The recent elections were significant, with the African National Congress (ANC) experiencing a notable decline in support, falling below the majority threshold for the first time since the end of apartheid. The ANC remains the largest party but will need to navigate a new political landscape dominated by coalitions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the newly established uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, founded by former president Jacob Zuma, have gained substantial ground, reflecting the dynamic nature of South African politics. #mlbsouthafrica #labourlaw #medicallaw #personalinjurylaw #elections #democracy #southafrica #legaladvice

Did Obama Influence Nigeria's Elections? A gripping look into the fascinating intersection of politics and democracy unfolds, revealing how an election marked by fear transformed into a landmark moment for Nigeria. Witness Buhari's remarkable triumph, breaking the mould as the first incumbent ousted through the ballot box, which sent shockwaves across Africa and the world. This historic transition not only inspired hope for change but also ignited a debate over foreign influence, particularly from the U.S. As suspicions linger about President Obama’s administration's role in this pivotal election, the video dives deep into the implications of foreign intervention on Nigeria’s sovereignty. Perspectives on democracy, power, and the impact of outside forces challenge viewers to think critically about the complexities behind electoral victories. With insightful commentary and thought-provoking questions, this content is essential for anyone interested in the dynamics of African politics and the global landscape. 🔍 Uncover the truth behind the 2015 Nigerian elections! #NigeriaElection #BuhariVictory #USInfluence #AfricaPolitics #DemocracyInAfrica #Election2023 #PoliticalChange #ForeignIntervention #HistoryOfNigeria #PeacefulTransition #PoliticalCommentary #TensionToTriumph #ChangeInLeadership #PoliticalAnalysis #realestate #houseforsale #landforsale

Worth a watch.. I had a few aha 💡moments while watching and resonated most with the tension of what the “Tintswalo” narrative means for many of us “born-frees” (especially those of us who may feel guilty/lucky in relating to that narrative). Who are the born frees anyway? I suspect iYouth endala born pre 94 resonate with a lot of the born free challenges and tensions. I digresss…(discussion for another day)🫢 I’ve always been fascinated with what can be easily reduced to “just” voter apathy but clearly tends to manifest itself as people staying away from the “structural” democratic process. Those said people are often invested in democracy itself and even promote it. So why then to they stay away from the ballot box? It will be interesting to see what the results will look like if more young people translate their frustration, ideas and solutions into votes in the next election. 👀One thing remains consistent even in global voter behaviour patterns , you can’t leave young people out of this discussion (and providing the solutions).