Lessons from Divided African Democracies for American Elections

The article discusses how the acceptance of electoral outcomes by losing parties influences the likelihood of electoral violence, drawing on examples from African democracies, particularly Ethiopia and The Gambia. It emphasizes the significance of trust in the electoral process, transparency in operations, and the establishment of inclusive political frameworks to minimize conflict and enhance the overall democratic experience. The implications for American democracy are also examined, suggesting that lessons learned from Africa can inform the U.S. electoral landscape.

Electoral violence is often influenced by the willingness of losing parties to accept the results, hinging on their trust in the democratic process and fairness of elections. In numerous African nations, electoral procedures can be fraught with tension and lead to unrest, a fact highlighted by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remark that elections can be “do-or-die affairs.” The experience demonstrates that the perception of fairness and credibility significantly impacts the conduct of elections. Events such as the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack in the United States reveal that potential for electoral violence is not limited to less stable democracies. Ethiopia serves as a cautionary example where opposition candidates were marginalized prior to the 2020 elections. Allegations of state-driven violence against opposition members led to diminished confidence in the election’s integrity, prompting a boycott from several parties. Ethnic divisions further complicate Ethiopia’s political landscape, with significant animosity driving heightened rhetoric and competition among groups, notably between the Oromo and Amhara populations. Consequently, electoral mechanisms that lack robust dispute resolution can incite significant conflict, as observed with the Tigray conflict. The Gambia’s approach to managing electoral violence offers critical lessons. The 2016 coalition that successfully opposed President Yahya Jammeh fractured as the 2021 elections approached, yet the implementation of a code of conduct for candidates, supported by civil society and national guarantors, fostered a relatively peaceful electoral environment. Contrastingly, Nigeria’s recent elections, which lacked similar frameworks, resulted in low voter turnout and heightened violence. Prominent themes arise which indicate that local initiatives and well-structured electoral frameworks can mitigate violence. A transparent and well-understood electoral system bolstered by civic engagement could contribute to a more conducive environment for elections. Conversely, the persistence of winner-takes-all politics, where the stakes are excessively high and democratic institutions are fragile, encourages rampant electoral misconduct and violence. These precarious dynamics unveil the importance of foundational changes in political structures to cultivate more resilient democracies. As the lessons from African democracies illustrate, managing electoral proceedings requires a commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and a dedication to diminishing winners-take-all mentalities. To nurture a reliable electoral experience, it is imperative to establish equitable systems that not only respect minority rights but also encourage participation and trust in the democratic process.

The article examines the dynamics of electoral violence in Africa, drawing comparisons to the United States’ political climate. It underscores the notion that the acceptance of electoral outcomes by losing parties is pivotal to the maintenance of peace and democracy. Citing real examples from Ethiopia and The Gambia, it highlights how the structure and conduct of elections can lead to varying levels of conflict, emphasizing the lessons that can be applied within the context of American elections. The analysis also delves into the role of civic engagement, electoral mechanisms, and the political context in shaping the electoral experience in these regions.

To minimize electoral violence and enhance the democratic process, it is crucial to prioritize systems that foster fairness and inclusivity. The experiences of African democracies illustrate that when elections are viewed as legitimate by all parties, the propensity for violence diminishes. The recognition of shared interests and respect for the democratic framework not only benefits local contexts in Africa but also offers vital insights for the United States as it navigates its own electoral challenges. Ultimately, building resilient democratic institutions and fostering civic engagement is essential for the stability of democracy in any context.

Original Source: foreignpolicy.com