Election monitoring has become an international norm for maintaining electoral integrity. A new survey finds a world of difference between the high hopes and dire realities of poll-watching.
The Flemish historian and writer David Van Reybrouck has recently triggered a minor sensation in the Low Countries by insisting that Western democracies are suffering so much election fatigue (electoral…
Riot police detain a supporter of Forum for Democratic Change, Uganda’s leading opposition party, as they break up a campaign procession.
Reuters/James Akena
Opposition inspires more confidence in one’s position than support and also helps to turn judgments into actions. This helps explain why attack ads are a crucial tool in politicians’ arsenals.
But did you vote for the candidate that best matches your beliefs?
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Even with free, private ballots, a quarter of us still end up voting for the ‘wrong’ presidential candidate. Here’s how to make sure you vote for the one who best matches your beliefs and hopes.
Voting in Uganda’s Karamoja region.
Reuters/Goran Tomasevic
Jacob Zuma has backtracked on two major decisions in under two months – first after he fired his finance minister; now he says he’ll pay back public money spent on his lavish Nkandla homestead.
Regular changes of government through free and fair elections that reflect the wishes of the majority of citizens are a critical component of democratisation. But how significant are polls in Africa?
Members of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa, the country’s largest union, march to highlight high unemployment.
Reuters/Rogan Ward
With the local government elections set to take place within the next seven months, it is worth considering what impact the recent upsurge in protests will have on the country’s political future.
Supporters cheer for Rwandan President Paul Kageme who has secured a much longer term of office for himself.
Epa/STephen Morrison
This year no fewer than 16 elections will take place in Africa, many of which involve removing presidential term limits. The motives are worth examining.
Voting for national leaders has become the global norm in a remarkably short time – in Africa in 1988, only 25% of countries had multiparty elections, but 94% do today. Yet all is not well.
Presidential candidate for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party casts his vote on October 25.
Reuters