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Articles on Elections in Africa

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The Electoral Commission of Zambia delivered elections that saw Hakainde Hichilema become the new president in 2021 despite democratic backsliding under the ruling Patriotic Front. James Kunda/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The challenges African election bodies face go beyond ‘democratic backsliding’ – analysis

Stakeholders, whether they be policymakers, political parties, civil society or the media, must proactively pursue electoral integrity.
Opposition supporters calling for free and fair elections outside the offices of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in Harare in 2018. Jeksai Njikizana/AFP via Getty Images.

Zimbabwe elections 2023: a textbook case of how the ruling party has clung to power for 43 years

Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections look like their predecessors: stolen. But this one is a bit different. Opposition strategies and regional responses have changed too. What does this mean for the future?
The African National Congress has lost electoral support but remains dominant. Phill Magakoe / AFP via Getty Images.

South Africa’s ruling party is performing dismally, but a flawed opposition keeps it in power

Dissatisfied ANC voters were much more likely to switch their votes if they held positive views of an opposition party. However, the problem for the opposition is that few people held these views.
Supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party describe their presidential candidate and his running mate as unifiers because of their ethnic and religious mix. Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images

Nigeria’s election: six dangers of mixing religion with politics

Damage to the fragile Nigerian state is one possible fallout of mixing religion with politics.
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

Lesotho elections: newcomers score impressive win, but politics will still be unstable

The new governing coalition enters office amid euphoria and excitement. There are great expectations it will end corruption and fix the ailing economy.

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