The AU needs to address two main problems to steer Africa into a prosperous future – the use of unconstitutional means by some leaders to cling to power and disregard for the rule of law.
African Elections
Politics and Society Is Martha Karua a civil society project?
The people who have celebrated most about Martha Karua’s running mate selection are the civil society/NGO buffs and the professional women caucuses. Now repackaged as the panacea to the country’s democracy and governance ills, will Karua sway the critics and fence sitters to vote Azimio in Kenya’s upcoming election.
Politics and Society Kenya election: sexist language shows that patriarchy refuses to give way
The country’s political landscape is muddied by sexist language that glorifies the belittling of women in leadership.
Politics and Society Zimbabwe Elections: Concerns over vote rigging and violence as Zanu-PF plays up chilling effect
As Zimbabwe’s election season heats up, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ruling Zanu-PF is playing up the chilling effect through violence, public incitement of followers, weaponisation of Covid-19 measures and disruption of opposition candidates’ rallies. Under the Mnangagwa administration, Zanu-PF has continued using its control of a precarious economy to endanger, patronise and intimidate citizens.
Politics and Society Nigeria’s opposition parties in perpetual state of inertia
In Nigeria, there are no vibrant and effective opposition parties, just opportunistic parties and political players. In the 2019 elections there were 91 registered political parties many of which not many Nigerians had heard about. None of those parties play the role of a strong opposition party.
Politics and Society Nigeria’s opposition leader Atiku Abubakar rejects election results
While Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari celebrates his re-election, opposition leader Atiku Abubakar has rejected the results and seeks to go to court. The question remains, will the Nigerian judicial system play its role impartially?
Politics and Society Postponement fuels lack of trust in Nigeria’s ability to hold fair elections
This is not the first time a Nigerian poll has been postponed but it is certainly the most dramatic.
Politics and Society Should Israel be given an observer member status in the African Union?
Ghana is the latest African country to support Israel’s push to rejoin the African Union as an observer member. Palestine is currently an observer member, and Israel’s questionable history with the continent, including installing Idi Amin as president, and other historical legacies could be major obstacles.
Politics and Society Malagasy Presidential Election 2018 is under way
Counting is under way in Madagascar after millions of people cast their ballots. The voter turnout stands at about 40% and so far no major anomalies have been detected in the polls. However, there have been complaints of voters not finding their names on the list, despite having registered