Dr. Bawumia's Address on Reinforcing Democracy

At a national conference aimed at strengthening democracy in Nigeria, Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, delivered a keynote address that sparked important reflections on how African countries can build more resilient democratic systems. His speech brought forward critical issues related to democracy’s sustainability, which are reflected in the findings of the Afrobarometer survey. The survey, conducted between 2021 and 2023, covered 39 African nations and highlighted key sentiments about democracy across the continent.

Support for Democracy

The Afrobarometer survey reveals that, across the 39 African countries surveyed, 66% of citizens prefer democracy to any other form of government. However, support for democracy varies significantly across the continent, ranging from as low as 39% to as high as 87%. This variation underscores differing regional experiences and challenges in embracing democratic ideals. When asked about the extent of democracy in their respective countries, responses were mixed: 18% of respondents did not view their countries as democratic, 35% believed their countries were democracies with major problems, 31% said their countries were democracies with minor issues, and only 16% considered their nations to be fully democratic.

Despite the widespread preference for democratic governance, the survey also revealed a general dissatisfaction with how democracy functions in practice. Only 37% of respondents expressed being either fairly satisfied or very satisfied with the functioning of democracy. Notably, Zambia and Tanzania stood out with much higher satisfaction rates, at 71% and 80%, respectively. This dissatisfaction indicates a need for deeper institutional reforms across the continent to ensure that democracy not only exists but thrives.

The Crisis of Confidence in Institutions

Dr. Bawumia emphasized that strong institutions are fundamental to a flourishing democracy. He argued that institutions must be capable of guaranteeing citizens’ rights, including property rights, and must act as checks against the abuse of power. However, the Afrobarometer survey reveals a concerning lack of trust in key institutions. For example, only 14% of citizens express a lot of trust in their national parliaments, 17% in the electoral commission, 22% in the courts, and 23% in the police. These figures highlight the deep-rooted trust issues that undermine the effectiveness of democratic systems.

The survey also showed high perceptions of corruption in these institutions. A significant portion of citizens believe that corruption is widespread in the Office of the President (38%), among parliamentarians (36%), among civil servants (38%), and within the judiciary (35%). These perceptions fuel public disillusionment and undermine the legitimacy of the democratic process.

The Missing Democracy Dividends

Dr. Bawumia’s speech pointed out that a true democracy must deliver tangible benefits to its citizens. He noted that the purpose of democracy is to effectively and efficiently provide public goods, services, and opportunities while ensuring no one is left behind. Unfortunately, Afrobarometer data indicates that many African governments are falling short in delivering these outcomes. For instance, only 27% of citizens believe their governments are managing the economy well, 22% think their governments are improving the living standards of the poor, and just 20% feel that job creation is being adequately addressed.

On the positive side, citizens are more satisfied with their governments’ efforts in addressing basic needs like education (46%), healthcare (41%), and water and sanitation (38%). However, these figures still reflect a significant gap in meeting the expectations of African citizens.

The Future of Democracy in Africa

Dr. Bawumia’s speech also raised the important question of whether Africans are seeking non-democratic alternatives. Despite the recent wave of military coups in parts of Africa, the survey indicates that citizens continue to reject non-democratic governance. A significant majority of respondents (78%) oppose one-party rule, 80% reject one-man rule, and 66% are against military rule. This shows that, despite dissatisfaction with the current state of democracy, Africans are not yearning for authoritarian alternatives.

Dr. Bawumia’s address at the conference serves as a call to action for African leaders to focus on strengthening democratic institutions, improving governance, and addressing the real needs of their citizens. The challenges to democracy in Africa are undeniable, but as Dr. Bawumia pointed out, the path forward lies in building a democracy that delivers tangible benefits to its people, fostering stronger institutions, and remaining committed to democratic ideals. The need for urgent reforms is clear, and African countries must act decisively to protect and nurture their democratic systems.