Alternative Paths to Africa’s Elections and Pathways to Stability

By:
Abigail Takavingofa and Caren Chidamwoyo
Final year students at Africa University: International Relations and Diplomacy Department

Introduction

Africa continues to be a continent beset by political instability, economic stagnation, and election bloodshed as the world struggles with the intricacies of democracy. Despite being hailed as the solution to Africa’s problems, the classic Western-style democratic model has frequently failed to meet the region’s particular difficulties. Election-related unrest has occurred in many countries, raising concerns about how well democratic regimes maintain order. In this regard, we contend that it is time to investigate alternate routes to elections in Africa and to stability, using China’s one-party system as a provocative example.

The State of Democracy in Africa

Africa is home to a wide variety of political structures, from long-standing democracies to authoritarian governments. Election cycles in nations like Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have been marked by severe instability, frequently tainted by claims of fraud, violence, and corruption. People may lose their right to vote, and social tensions may worsen as a result of a lack of confidence in electoral procedures.

Alternatively, some African countries have improved their electoral processes. Nations like Ghana and Botswana serve as illustrations of effective democratic governance in Africa. However, not every part of the continent benefits equally from these achievements.

Challenges of Multiparty Systems

Many African countries have adopted multiparty democratic systems based on Western democracies since gaining independence in the mid-20th century. While this approach aligns with international standards supporting political freedom and human rights, it has often been fraught with difficulties on the continent.

Disputed elections have resulted in political instability, military coups, and civil unrest in countries like Mali, Sudan, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Since 2020, there have been nine coups in the Sahel region alone. These events highlight the fragility of democratic institutions in some parts of Africa and call for creative approaches to governance that prioritize stability while addressing local realities.

Considering Alternative Models

One such alternative is the one-party system, as exemplified by China. China’s Communist Party has brought extraordinary economic growth and stability, despite frequent criticism for lacking democratic credentials.

Through long-term planning and development without the constraints of political opposition, China has invested significantly in innovation, infrastructure, and education. This approach has lifted millions out of poverty and made China a global economic powerhouse.

African leaders such as Paul Kagame of Rwanda have started to adopt elements of the Chinese model, prioritizing stability and economic growth over democratic pluralism.

Advantages of the One-Party Model

• National Unity:
  In many African nations, ethnic and tribal tensions fuel instability. A one-party system can dismantle these divisions and promote national identity.
• Quick Decision-Making:
  In systems often slowed by political deadlock, a one-party state enables faster policy implementation, leading to improved infrastructure, economic growth, and better public services.

Concerns and Realities

Of course, critics argue that one-party systems are inherently dictatorial and undemocratic. These concerns are valid. However, democracy is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

In regions still struggling to build viable states, stability and economic growth may sometimes take precedence over the pursuit of pure democratic ideals. Furthermore, even the Chinese model has evolved, introducing forms of consultation and engagement, albeit within controlled environments.

Conclusion

As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of democracy, it is essential to explore alternative paths to peace and prosperity. While not perfect, the Chinese one-party system presents an intriguing case for achieving stability and development through non-traditional democratic frameworks.

We encourage African leaders and policymakers to remain open-minded and consider governance strategies that prioritize stability and growth. In doing so, Africa can unlock its vast potential and assert itself as a powerful player on the global stage.