Title: Democratic aspirations in Africa and the world: a desire for concrete change
Introduction :
On September 15, 2023, the whole world celebrated the International Day of Democracy. This opportunity pushes us to reflect on the perception of democracy in Africa and in the world. Recent studies highlight that citizens are favorable to democracy, but that they also express a certain dissatisfaction with its functioning. In this article, we will explore the findings of these studies, shedding light on people’s democratic aspirations and the persistent challenges they face.
Strong democratic aspirations:
According to a survey conducted by the Afrobarometer institute, two thirds (66%) of Africans prefer democracy as a form of government. This preference is reinforced by the rejection of single-party regimes (78%) and military regimes (67%). Furthermore, an overwhelming majority approves of the principle of parliamentary control of the president (65%), media freedom (67%) and limiting the number of presidential terms (73%). These figures demonstrate a strong attachment among Africans to democracy and their desire for more open and accountable political institutions.
Persistent dissatisfaction:
However, despite this preference for democracy, only 38% of respondents say they are satisfied with the functioning of democracy in their country. This dissatisfaction can be attributed to several factors, such as corruption and lack of transparency in governments. Only 30% of Africans believe their government is doing an adequate job of fighting corruption. It is therefore essential to recognize that democracy in Africa faces persistent challenges that must be resolved to meet the expectations of citizens.
An openness to alternative solutions:
An equally thought-provoking statistic is that 53% of Africans are ready to support military intervention, i.e. coups, if elected leaders abuse their power. This number increases to 56% among young adults aged 18 to 35. This indicates a level of frustration and disillusionment among citizens, particularly the youth, over poor governance and the inability of elected leaders to respond to their needs. It is important to take into account this openness to alternative solutions in order to meet the aspirations of the populations.
A similar global observation:
The results of a global survey conducted by the Open Society Foundation confirm these trends. Of the 30 countries surveyed, 86% of respondents prefer to live in a democratic state. However, only 62% consider democracy the best form of government. Young people, in particular, express less preference for democracy, with only 57% of respondents aged 18 to 35 viewing democracy as preferable to any other form of government.
Conclusion :
Democratic aspirations in Africa and around the world are undeniable, with a marked preference for democracy as a form of government. However, persistent dissatisfaction with the functioning of democracy highlights the need to improve governance and meet people’s expectations. It is essential to work on building effective democratic political systems, capable of producing concrete results for citizens. By giving voice to democratic aspirations and responding to people’s concerns, we will be able to build a more democratic and participatory future for all.