This year has been an "annus horribilis" for those governments in sub-Saharan Africa that have had to face voters at the ballot box. In almost every election held in the region this year under reasonably democratic conditions, the governing party either lost a significant number of seats or lost power completely.
The article from AOL discusses the growing trend of African voters rejecting long-standing ruling parties in favor of opposition groups, reflecting a broader demand for change across the continent. This shift is attributed to several factors including economic stagnation, corruption, and the failure of incumbent parties to address the needs of the youth, who make up a significant portion of the electorate. Examples include South Africa, where the African National Congress (ANC) has seen its support wane due to persistent issues like unemployment and power outages; Nigeria, where dissatisfaction with the ruling All Progressives Congress led to a surprising presidential election result; and Kenya, where the opposition has gained ground by promising better governance. The article highlights that this voter behavior signifies a maturing democracy in Africa, where citizens are increasingly holding their leaders accountable, pushing for better governance, and expressing a desire for political and economic reforms.
