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Thank you Christian Franken, a new intern at Democracy Investments, for the following update and summary of the recent election in South Africa. The 2024 South African Election: A Summary On 14 June 2024, millions of South Africans cast their votes in the most momentous election in the country’s 30-year history of dominant party democratic rule. In power since the democratic transition in 1994, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) failed to get the majority vote it needed to cement its power for another 5 years in government. This necessitated the formation of a coalition government – a first for South Africa – and a period of tense negotiations ensued as a multitude of opposing parties and ideologies clashed, prompting fears of violent demonstrations and the ANC’s refusal to leave office. To the elation of many South Africans, the ANC accepted its defeat, and a peaceful transition followed suit. Choosing pragmatism over populism, the ANC joined forces with the official opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and shunned the illiberal parties whose inflammatory remarks made headlines in the months leading up to the election. Joined by other smaller parties, the new Government of National Unity is as interesting as it is novel. The state-centric ANC and the mostly pro-market DA are two unlikely allies and only time will tell how their union will play out. Nonetheless, it is evident that despite its imperfections, South Africa’s democracy is far from broken. The reconciliatory attitude of Nelson Mandela, that vanquished the specter of Apartheid in 1994, is alive and well. https://lnkd.in/gFZ79iCv

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEMOCRATIC MODEL – ARE FIVE-YEAR CYCLES OF ELECTIONS NECESSARY ANYMORE? In this document, I delve into the effectiveness of the Anglo-Saxon democratic model, especially concerning African nations with colonial histories. By examining various global examples, including both democratic and non-democratic systems, I explore the correlation between governance models and socioeconomic prosperity. Additionally, I discuss emerging trends such as the Zimbabwe Gold-backed currency initiative and the trajectory of BRICS nations, suggesting the need for a revaluation of conventional democratic paradigms. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary examples, I advocate for a nuanced understanding of governance systems and the exploration of alternative economic models to address contemporary challenges. I integrate my perspective as an entrepreneur with no political affiliations but a keen observer, to highlight the disconnect between political cycles and the aspirations of the people for prosperity, peace, and comfort, particularly about the repetitive nature of democratic elections. As an entrepreneur and impartial observer, I have long pondered the concept of democracy, primarily based on the Anglo-Saxon model, which has been touted as the epitome of political legitimacy and socioeconomic progress. However, its applicability and efficacy, especially in regions with colonial legacies like Africa, have been called into question. I aim to critically analyze the performance of democratic governance, juxtaposing it with alternative models across the globe. Through a multi-faceted examination of historical and contemporary examples, I seek to provoke a discourse on the need for reimagining governance paradigms to foster inclusive prosperity. My perspective underscores the disconnect between political cycles and the enduring aspirations of the populace for fundamental values such as peace and prosperity, especially in the context of recurring elections that fail to bring about substantial change. You can contact me for the full article.

On the whole, Africans are undeniably pro-democracy. 66% prefer a democratic system of governance 80% reject one-man rule 78% reject one-party rule 66% reject military rule According to Afrobarometer's latest report, Africa suffers not from a lack of demand but a “supply-side failure by African leaders to deliver”. During the last ten years "significant regression in democratic systems has been recorded across Africa, especially in the areas of rule of law, justice, and democratic elections". But this contrasts with Africans' commitment to be governed in a more democratic and transparent environment.

Excerpt: Democracy in Africa has not had a good year. Military juntas from Mali to Niger appear to have cemented their grip on power. Sudan’s democratic dreams were dashed when the country’s two most powerful strongmen opted for war. And there’s now evidence that ordinary Africans may be losing faith in democracy as the best form of government. Afrobarometer, an organisation that polls respondents from over 30 African countries, has found that no more than two thirds of Africans say they prefer democracy to any other form of government. In Angola, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, and South Africa, support for democracy has now dipped below 50%. At least some popular support for democracy appears to be quite sticky, however. My research as a scholar of traditional authorities and their link to democratic governance shows that attitudes towards democracy in many African countries are also shaped by interaction with traditional leaders. These include chiefs and traditional institutions such as chiefs’ councils and customary courts. Could African traditional leaders be good for democracy? The answer is complicated. Relatively democratic traditions could help keep a young democracy alive even when formal institutions are weak. But hereditary traditional monarchies could serve as a potent reminder of how undemocratic a political system can be.

Ethiopia's democratic landscape is complex and marked by challenges and some recent developments. The country is a federal parliamentary republic with ethnic federalism, a structure established by the 1994 constitution that divides power among ethnic-based regional states. This system was intended to mitigate ethnic tensions but has also fueled political conflict and violence between groups, particularly in regions like Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who took office in 2018, initiated reforms aimed at liberalizing the political space, including releasing political prisoners and allowing previously banned opposition groups to participate. His peace agreement with Eritrea won him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. However, Ethiopia's political landscape remains tense, especially due to conflicts in Tigray and tensions with other ethnic groups. Despite some improvements in elections and political participation, issues around access to justice, media freedoms, and rule of law persist, with limited progress in creating an effective, stable democratic governance structure. In 2024, Ethiopia remains categorized as having low democratic performance in areas like rights, representation, and rule of law, with only moderate performance in political participation. The government has faced criticism for crackdowns on dissent and media restrictions, which undermine democratic norms. Nonetheless, economic reforms have continued, and Ethiopia maintains one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, though much of the population still struggles with poverty and limited access to services. This combination of economic ambition and democratic challenges defines Ethiopia’s current political and democratic status, underscoring the ongoing need for conflict resolution and strengthened institutions to ensure inclusive governance "Global State of Democracy and Freedom House"

South Africa 🇿🇦 could experience its biggest political shift in 30 years since it became a democracy, analysts say South Africans will vote on Wednesday to decide whether their country will take its most significant political step since the moment 30 years ago when it brought down apartheid and achieved democracy. This national election will not be as momentous as the one South Africa held in 1994 — few have been. Then, Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress party to victory as Black South Africans who were the majority were allowed to vote for the first time. It officially ended a half-century of racial segregation under apartheid — a violently enforced system that attracted the world’s outrage — and hundreds of years of white minority rule. But while the ANC still governs in 2024, it is amid rising discontent caused largely by high levels of unemployment and poverty. That could result in a majority of South Africans choosing another party this week over the one that led them to freedom. “Thirty years of South African democracy does not mean we should endure an eternity under the ANC,” John Steenhuisen, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, said in the run-up to the election. The ANC won six successive national elections, starting with the one that made Mandela the first Black president in 1994. But from a high of gaining nearly 70% of the vote 20 years ago, it has experienced a steady decline in support while South Africa grapples with deep socio-economic problems, some of which were left over from apartheid. The election will take place in one day, with nearly 28 million people registered to vote across the nation’s nine provinces. More than 50 parties are registered to contest the national election, a record number, and independent candidates have been allowed to stand for the first time. South Africans don’t vote directly for their president, but rather for parties. Those parties get seats in Parliament according to their share of the national vote and lawmakers elect the president, who has always been from the ANC because of its parliamentary majority. ... [AP]

According to the 2024 Democracy Perception Index, on average 85% globally believe it is important to have democracy. The survey was carried out in 53 countries that represent 75% of the world's population. Overall, the survey covered 32 questions polling people on the state of democracy, threats to democracy and global politics. The results were presented at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit last month which discussed how to strengthen and defend democracy globally. At a side event, a new Transatlantic Democracy Support Dialogue was launched. One of the items the dialogue intends to support is the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy. Further, a new campaign was launched by the Global Democracy Coalition that aims to “show the beneficial impact of democratic practices not only in governance but in all facets of life” and the motto is #ThankYouDemocracy Read our report: https://lnkd.in/esQbZEXE Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ekPGH6bx #GlobalDemocracy #Democracy

With elections over, #SouthAfrica faces crucial governance choices: a coalition for economic growth with ANC-DA-IFP or one for political stability with ANC-MK. What lies ahead for the nation? Dive into the latest ISS Today article for an in-depth exploration: https://lnkd.in/gzvhcCff

The reelection of Senator Njifenji (89) and Hon. Djibril (84), who are both elderly, has drawn criticism for the lack of diversity in Cameroon's political leadership. Cameroon is home to a vibrant and energetic population, filled with young individuals who are enthusiastic about having a say in the country's future. Nevertheless, the ongoing trend of older politicians assuming crucial positions of authority maintains a gap between the ruling class and the desires of the younger generation. https://lnkd.in/e8KSchri #CameroonPolitics #YouthInPolitics #GenerationalGap #PoliticalChange

If, like me, you are excited but unsure about South Africa's future, then you need to read this piece by Jakkie Cilliers. The article clearly outlines what to expect and how various decisions will impact ordinary citizens differently.