Political and democratic trends in Africa: Is democracy working? An overview

Abstract

The introduction of multiparty politics in Africa and the resultant electoral democracy have had mixed outcomes in Africa. While there has been a general improvement in the continent's body politic and governance outlook, there have also been incidences where the democratic project has, by default or design, undermined or been undermined by Africa's structural fault lines that have led to relapses into instability and violence. This article reflects on the democratic project, particularly on the aspect of electoral democracy, by revisiting its trajectory and examining its challenges and prospects on the continent.