The report highlights a “sharp decline” in democratic support, particularly in countries that have experienced military takeovers. Researchers point to factors like increased corruption, poorly conducted elections, and weak presidential accountability as eroding public trust.
Despite the decline, Africans overwhelmingly reject alternatives like dictatorship (80%), one-party rule (78%), and military rule (66%). However, satisfaction with how democracy functions in their countries has also dipped significantly (down 11 points).
Interestingly, support for democracy seems less swayed by economic hardship and more by the quality of governance. Declining election quality, rising corruption, and a perceived erosion of the rule of law are identified as key factors driving the disillusionment.
The report emphasizes the need for improvements in local governance integrity and stronger accountability of officials to bolster public confidence in democratic systems.
The data is based on 53,444 face-to-face interviews conducted across 39 African countries, representing over 75% of the continent’s population.
The Afrobarometer findings suggest that while Africans hold democratic ideals in high regard, their faith in the current systems is waning. Addressing concerns about corruption, fair elections, and accountable leadership is crucial to ensure the health and longevity of democracy in Africa.
ODL/te/sf/lb/abj/APA
Source link : https://apanews.net/africas-democratic-aspirations-desire-high-satisfaction-low/
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Publish date : 2024-07-19 18:23:14
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