How 2024 has been for democracy in Africa

In 2024, 22 elections were held in African countries, spanning presidential, legislative, and local levels. These elections showcased a mixture of continuity, change, and the complexities of governance in the region.

While some countries experienced transformative political shifts, others continued under the dominance of entrenched political systems. This year highlighted the spectrum of political dynamics, from multi-party democracies embracing change to single-party systems clinging to power. Among the most notable outcomes were the defeat of Botswana’s ruling party after decades of dominance, the emergence of a female president in Namibia, and Ghana’s democratic transition marked by a resounding electoral victory for a former president. Below, we explore these pivotal elections and their broader implications in a year where African civil wars dominate the narrative.

Botswana: A Break from the Past

For the first time since its independence in 1966, Botswana saw the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lose power. The opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, ousted President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s government in a stunning upset. This marked a pivotal period in Botswana’s political history, signalling the conclusion of nearly six decades of single-party dominance since independence in 1966.

Boko, making his third bid for the presidency, succeeded in galvanising the youth vote by addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, economic diversification, and enhanced democratic governance. His platform promised structural reforms to address economic stagnation and growing inequality. The UDC’s victory extended beyond the presidency, as the coalition secured a parliamentary majority, leaving the once-dominant BDP with only four seats.

Botswana has long been recognised for its stable democratic institutions, but this election underscored the electorate’s desire for substantial change. The results reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the BDP’s handling of economic challenges and its perceived failure to adapt to the evolving needs of the populace.

Namibia: A New Leader Amid Challenges

Namibia’s 2024 general elections resulted in a historic milestone: the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female president. Representing the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory made her the second current female head of state in Africa, following Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Despite her personal triumph, SWAPO’s political dominance continued to erode. The party’s majority in the National Assembly was reduced to 51 seats, its lowest since Namibia’s independence in 1990. The election took place against the backdrop of economic hardships, including rising unemployment and inflation, which fuelled growing discontent among voters. The death of former President Hage Geingob in February 2024 added to the political uncertainty, with Vice President Nangolo Mbumba serving out the remainder of his term before declining to contest the presidency.

The elections faced logistical and technical challenges, including extended voting hours that drew criticism from the African Union’s observer mission. While the AU acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the elections, it highlighted concerns over transparency, rating the electoral commission’s performance at only 50 per cent for procedural integrity. SWAPO’s weakened position reflects the mounting pressure on long-dominant parties across Africa to address economic and governance issues.

Ghana: A Resounding Democratic Victory

In Ghana, the return of John Mahama to the presidency marked a significant moment in the country’s political history. Running on a platform of “a new beginning, a new direction”, Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), defeated the incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia by the largest margin of victory in 25 years. Mahama secured 56.6 per cent of the vote compared to Bawumia’s 41.6 per cent, with a voter turnout of nearly 61 per cent.

Mahama’s victory followed two terms of governance by President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose New Patriotic Party (NPP) faced widespread criticism over Ghana’s economic woes. The country is grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, driven by inflation, rising living costs, and the environmental impact of gold mining. Despite these challenges, Ghana’s tradition of alternating power between the NDC and NPP persisted, reflecting the electorate’s commitment to democratic principles.

Bawumia’s early concession of defeat was widely praised as a gesture of statesmanship, aimed at preventing post-election tensions. This peaceful transition underscores Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa. However, the economic challenges facing the incoming administration remain formidable, raising questions about the extent to which political change can translate into tangible improvements for the population.

Broader Themes

While 2024 showcased significant political shifts, it also highlighted enduring challenges in African electoral processes. Some elections served as a facade for maintaining authoritarian control, while others demonstrated the capacity for genuine democratic change. The role of youth, women, and civil society continues to grow, pushing for greater accountability and inclusivity in governance.

In countries like Botswana and Namibia, the weakening of long-dominant parties signals a shift toward more competitive political landscapes. Meanwhile, Ghana’s elections reaffirmed the resilience of its democratic institutions. However, persistent economic challenges—from unemployment to resource dependency—remain at the forefront of voter concerns, influencing electoral outcomes and shaping governance priorities.

Conclusion

A World Bank report opined that “the relatively higher prevalence of war in Africa is not due to the ethno-linguistic fragmentation of its countries, but rather to high levels of poverty, failed political institutions, and economic dependence on natural resources”. African political leaders need to address these issues.

The 2024 elections in Africa underscored political diversity and dynamism. From the historic defeat of Botswana’s ruling party to Namibia’s groundbreaking election of a female president and Ghana’s reaffirmation of democratic principles, these events reflect both progress and ongoing struggles. As African nations navigate the complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors, the demand for responsive and accountable leadership is louder than ever. Whether these elections will lead to substantive change or are merely symbolic victories will depend on the ability of new and existing governments to address the pressing challenges faced by their citizens. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to note and laud such democratic exercise since many countries fail to emulate these examples.

The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.