The State of Democracy in Africa: Have We Lowered the Bar Too Much
Democracy, in its true essence, transcends the mere act of holding elections. While periodic voting is often heralded as the hallmark of democratic governance, it represents only one dimension of a much broader framework that includes constitutional principles, rule of law, institutional checks and balances, and the protection of fundamental rights. The vitality of democracy lies in its ability to sustain governance practices rooted in accountability, transparency, and inclusivity even outside electoral cycles. This section explores the multifaceted nature of real democracy, examining key elements such as freedom of speech, judicial independence, respect for human rights, and media freedom, while contrasting these ideals with realities observed in African nations like Cameroon and global benchmarks from Western democracies.