The recent events in neighboring Niger Republic and Gabon, where military coups toppled democratically elected governments, have sparked a necessary debate about the effectiveness of democracy as a preferable system of governance compared to alternatives like monarchy or military rule. This debate arises from mixed reactions to recent political developments and shortcomings in democratic systems. It questions whether democracy can truly deliver good governance and meet the socio-economic needs of the people.
The call to reevaluate democracy, which was believed to hold great promise for social growth and economic development in 21st-century Africa, has grown urgent due to evident failures in governance, unfair elections, and mismanagement of state resources.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently ignited this discussion, stating that the liberal democracy model practiced in the West may not be suitable for African countries. He called for a collective effort to explore alternative political systems. This perspective has found support from scholars and politicians who share reservations about the current state of democracy.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, echoed the need for alternative politics, emphasizing proportional representation to reduce division and enmity among citizens. Professor Akin Oyebode, a scholar in international law and jurisprudence, noted that liberal democracy is still struggling to take root in Africa due to cultural factors, suggesting that it may require more time and continuous research to adapt it to historical authoritarianism.
The age-old saying “what is the best administered is the best” implies that the effectiveness of a government system should be based on its outcomes rather than its form. This suggests that whether a country is governed by monarchy or republic, the results matter most. Even in Europe and the United States, known for their democratic systems, challenges exist, including the rise of noxious nationalism and identity politics.
Some scholars have been drawn to the developmental progress in countries like China, Turkey, and Russia, suggesting that quasi-democracies that deliver results could serve as reference models in the recalibration of governance systems.
Despite these discussions, reevaluating the type of democracy and how it can better serve the majority is a worthwhile exercise. It offers an opportunity to address emerging distortions and inherent failures in African systems. Democracy remains the preferred system, but it’s contingent on leadership and citizen commitment to making it work. True democracy should prioritize service over cultivating hegemony and authoritarianism among a privileged few. Africa has witnessed capture of the state and its resources by a select group, as seen in the Gabon coup, where a family had monopolized democratic power.
A constitutional democracy provides rules and tenures for government, where change happens through regular, free, fair, and credible elections. Unfortunately, elections across Africa have often fallen short of these ideals, with ruling parties winning by an overwhelming margin.
A reevaluation of the winner-takes-all mentality in African democracies is needed to make representation more equitable and proportional, reducing election contentions and promoting ownership among minority political parties.
Governments in Africa should consider reforms that enhance their democratic systems, focusing on the principles of service, mentorship, and fostering a sense of ownership among leaders. Democracy can work for the people if leaders act in their best interests, refrain from resource theft, and allow the democratic principles to guide their actions.