Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ 2024 has been a transformative year for sub-Saharan Africa, marked by a wave of electoral upsets and significant challenges for incumbent governments. Namibia’s Swapo, while retaining power after over three decades, exemplifies this trend. Swapo’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president, but the party’s parliamentary performance hit a record low, reflecting broader voter discontent.
Across the region, elections highlighted public frustration with corruption, economic mismanagement, and undemocratic practices. This shift was most evident in Botswana, where the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in power since 1966, suffered a crushing defeat. Reduced to just four parliamentary seats, the BDP’s near collapse signaled a dramatic political transformation. Similarly, Mauritius experienced a seismic shift, with the governing Alliance Lepep reduced to two seats, as the opposition Alliance du Changement swept 60 of the 66 available.
Senegal also saw a dramatic power shift. Opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, released from prison weeks before the election, achieved a resounding victory, unseating the government’s candidate. Even in instances such as Namibia and South Africa, where the ruling parties maintained their power, their political dominance underwent significant deterioration. South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) fell below 50% of the national vote for the first time since apartheid, forcing President Cyril Ramaphosa into a coalition government.
These elections highlight three crucial trends: the growing public’s intolerance of corruption, the economic hardship that fuels political dissatisfaction, and the increased effectiveness of opposition coordination. Economic struggles, exacerbated by high food and fuel prices, heightened public frustration. Youth-led protests in Kenya highlighted the region-wide discontent. In Botswana, Mauritius, and Senegal, opposition leaders harnessed this anger, presenting unified fronts and promising reforms, which resonated with voters.
This democratic momentum contrasts with global trends of rising authoritarianism. While entrenched autocracies persist in parts of Africa, the region has displayed remarkable resilience, with citizens and civil society mobilizing to demand accountability. These dynamics challenge assumptions about Africa as inhospitable to multiparty democracy.
As international actors seek to defend democracy worldwide, Africa’s vibrant electoral contests provide critical lessons. Despite economic and political challenges, the region stands as a testament to the power of collective action, transparency, and democratic ideals.
