The article dissects the dynamics of electoral violence seen in various African democracies, emphasizing that the consent and belief in the electoral system by the losing parties are crucial for minimizing unrest. It discusses the implications of political frameworks such as ethnic divisions in Ethiopia, the roles of civil society in The Gambia, and the challenges facing Nigeria in building trust in the electoral process. Ultimately, the lessons from these examples underscore the importance of establishing a robust and inclusive political environment to preempt electoral violence.
Elections should ideally be a peaceful manifestation of democracy; however, this is not the case in many regions, especially across Africa, where electoral processes are often marred by violence and unrest. Reflecting on a statement made by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2007, elections can be perceived as “do-or-die affairs.” The potential for election-related violence hinges significantly on the acceptance of election results by defeated candidates, which in turn is influenced by their faith in the democratic process and the integrity of the electoral system. The case of Ethiopia illustrates the perils of compromised electoral systems, where the ruling party’s actions undermine opposition parties and dissenters. The opposition’s lack of faith in the electoral process can escalate grievances, fostering an environment where extremism and armed conflict may surface. Furthermore, the ethnic divisions in Ethiopia’s political landscape amplify tensions, as groups strive for dominance, often resulting in violent confrontations. In contrast, The Gambia demonstrates a more positive approach following its 2016 elections. Faced with disintegration within the opposition coalition, civil society organizations and institutional standards helped mitigate violence in the lead-up to the 2021 elections, suggesting that collaborative frameworks can foster healthier democratic practices. Nigeria serves as an additional cautionary example. Despite its experience with transitions of power, the country grapples with electoral violence and general mistrust in the electoral process, best evidenced by low voter turnout in the 2023 elections. Active community initiatives can enhance public confidence in elections and fortify the rapport between citizens and electoral authorities, lessening the likelihood of violent outbursts. Overall, the prospect of electoral violence correlates closely with the broader political framework within which elections are conducted. Conducive political settings promote fairness in electoral processes and make audits of conflicting interests possible. Therefore, it is paramount to invest in electoral integrity and establish safe spaces for political dialogue that can diffuse tensions, ultimately facilitating peace and sustained democratic governance over time. In any electoral landscape, it is essential to ensure that the framework upholds minority rights and reinforces inclusivity, thereby distancing from winner-takes-all dynamics that fuel conflict. In summary, the lessons gleaned from African democracies provide critical insights for the American political landscape, underscoring the significance of integrity in electoral systems and the paramount need for civil engagement in averting violence and ensuring acceptance of democratic outcomes.
In many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, elections are fraught with anxiety and violence, presenting challenges that can destabilize entire nations. The attitude towards electoral participation often reflects a deep-seated belief in the fairness and credibility of the democratic process. Without such faith, losers may resort to violence as they reject the results. The article draws on specific examples from Ethiopia, The Gambia, and Nigeria to highlight how various factors, including ethnic divisions and lack of trust in electoral integrity, significantly increase the potential for election-related conflict. Lessons from these instances provide a framework for understanding electoral behavior in less stable contexts and emphasize the importance of transparency and inclusivity within political frameworks, which can ultimately steer countries away from violence.
To ensure that elections can serve their intended purpose of facilitating peaceful political transitions, it is crucial for democracies, especially the United States, to reflect on the lessons learned from embattled electoral systems in Africa. Key takeaways include the necessity for established rules, the promotion of political dialogue, and the imperative of inclusivity and fairness in electoral processes. As observed, the credibility of elections does not solely depend on the events of the voting day but is deeply embedded in the broader political understanding and engagement of all stakeholders involved. Therefore, fostering a culture of dialogue and respect for differing political views can profoundly impact the democratic experience by reducing the prevalence of violence.
Original Source: foreignpolicy.com
