Despite strong support for democracy across Africa, recent trends reveal a troubling decline in confidence in democratic governance. According to a survey conducted across 39 countries, two-thirds (66%) of Africans still prefer democracy over any other system. Significant majorities reject one-man rule (80%), one-party rule (78%), and military rule (66%).
However, the past decade has seen a notable shift. In a consistent survey of 30 countries, support for democracy has dropped by 7 percentage points. South Africa and Mali have experienced the most dramatic declines, with support falling by 29 and 23 points, respectively.
The opposition to military rule has also diminished significantly, decreasing by 11 points across the same 30 countries. This trend is most pronounced in Mali and Burkina Faso, where opposition to military rule has plummeted by 40 and 36 points, respectively.
Alarmingly, more than half of Africans (53% across 39 countries) are now open to the idea of a military takeover if elected leaders are seen to abuse power for personal gain. This shift highlights a growing disillusionment with the effectiveness and integrity of current democratic systems.
Despite these concerns, the desire for government accountability and the rule of law remains strong. Support for democratic norms such as presidential accountability to Parliament, multiparty competition, presidential term limits, and media freedom has remained steady over the past decade.
Nevertheless, faith in the electoral process is waning. Support for elections has dropped by 8 percentage points across 30 countries, although a large majority still believe it is the best method for selecting leaders.
Despite robust support for democracy across Africa, recent trends highlight a troubling decline in confidence in democratic governance. A comprehensive survey across 39 countries reveals that two-thirds (66%) of Africans prefer democracy over any other system of government. Significant majorities continue to reject one-man rule (80%), one-party rule (78%), and military rule (66%).
However, this strong preference for democracy is being challenged. Over the past decade, consistent surveys in 30 countries show a 7 percentage point decline in support for democracy. South Africa and Mali are particularly notable, with support plummeting by 29 and 23 points, respectively.
Opposition to military rule has also weakened, dropping by 11 points across the same 30 countries. The most dramatic changes have occurred in Mali and Burkina Faso, where opposition has decreased by 40 and 36 points, respectively. Alarmingly, over half of Africans (53%) are now willing to accept a military takeover if elected leaders abuse power for personal gain.
Supply of Democracy
Fewer than half (45%) of Africans believe their countries are mostly or completely democratic, and only 37% are satisfied with how democracy functions in their countries. Both indicators have declined over the past decade, with an 8 percentage point drop in perceptions of democracy and an 11 point drop in satisfaction. High-profile democracies like Botswana, Mauritius, and South Africa have seen satisfaction levels drop by 40, 40, and 35 points, respectively.
Other indicators of democratic health have also shown declines. Citizens’ assessments of election quality and presidential accountability to Parliament and the courts have fallen modestly but notably.
Drivers of Democratic Attitudes
Deepening dissatisfaction with democracy’s performance is strongly linked to perceived declines in socioeconomic and political conditions. Support for democracy as a system remains relatively resilient despite economic and social challenges. However, where declines in support for democracy are evident, they are most closely associated with political failures, such as worsening election quality, increasing corruption, and failures to uphold the rule of law.
Given the critical role of citizen support in sustaining democratic systems, these findings underscore the urgent need to restore faith in African governments’ ability to provide accountable, democratic governance. The decline in satisfaction with democracy and the openness to military rule reflect a profound disillusionment that could threaten the stability and future of democratic institutions on the continent.
While democracy remains the preferred system of government for many Africans, the declining support and satisfaction with its implementation point to significant challenges. Strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring government accountability, and addressing corruption are essential to reversing these trends. Without concerted efforts to address these issues, the promise of democracy in Africa may remain unfulfilled, risking further erosion of public trust and stability.
Source: Afronewswire.com & afrobarometer.org
