Observers regularly face dangers owing to political instability, insecurity, violence and other crises in some countries.
Workers next to the Independence Monument, depicting a hand holding a map of the country, in the city of Hargeisa, Somaliland, in September 2021.
Eduardo Soteras/AFP via Getty Images
Electoral violence, low voter turnout, ethnic politics and voters’ suppression were notable features of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
Outgoing Lesotho prime minister Moeketsi Majoro, right, hands over the national flag as the symbol of passing power to his successor, Sam Ntsokoane Matekane, on 28 October 2022.
Molise Molise/AFP via Getty Images
The new coalition government must act quickly to address the kingdom’s massive socio-economic problems, and restore faith in democracy.
Lesotho Revolution for Prosperity party leader Sam Matekane (centre), Alliance of Democrats deputy leader Professor Ntoi Rapapa (L) and Movement for Economic Change leader Selibe Mochoboroane.
Molise Molise/AFP via Getty Images
The new governing coalition enters office amid euphoria and excitement. There are great expectations it will end corruption and fix the ailing economy.
Lesotho citizens queue to vote in a previous national elections.
EPA-EFE/ Kim Ludbrook
Despite their pretensions to support reforms, it is clear that successive governments are not interested in the reform.
People wait in line outside their voting station in the popular neighbourhood of Ngor in Dakar on July 31, 2022.
Photo by JOHN WESSELS/AFP via Getty Images
The whole idea behind independent candidates is the hope that their inclusion might improve the accountability of parliamentarians to the voters. The bill doesn’t do that.
Eight presidential candidates on stage during Kenya’s first presidential debate in 2013.
Joan Pereruan/AFP via Getty Images
The MPLA is using all instruments at its disposal to hobble a new united opposition front ahead of the Angola election.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir (right) and his deputy Riek Machar shake hands in Addis Ababa to signify a peace deal in September, 2018.
AFP via Getty Images
South Africans are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy because of its failure to address inequality.
Zimbabwe’s opposition Citizens Coalition for Change supporters attend an election campaign rally in Harare, in February. Zimbabwe, 20 February.
EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli
Most citizens feel that it is pointless to vote because it won’t change anything.
Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe greets supporters massed at his party headquarters shortly before his ouster in 2017.
Jekesai Njikizana/AFP via Getty Images
Leaders typically spread power among their ‘rival allies’ to keep it and co-opt enough of those elites in exchange for political support.
Displaced women and children shelter in temporary camps in Metuge, after fleeing from armed militants in Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique.
EFE-EPA/Luisa Nhantumbo
Luca Bussotti, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE)
Study shows that Mozambique 1992 peace agreement was never the success it was claimed to be. The country’s democracy remains weak.
Eswatini King Mswati II’s despotic rule is increasingly under pressure from citizens yearning for democracy.
Edwin Remsberg/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images