Africans’ Durable Demand for Democracy

Issue Date July 2021
Volume 32
Issue 3
Page Numbers 136-51
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The “supply” of democracy in Africa is under threat not only from the covid-19 pandemic, but also from rising insurgencies in parts of the continent, the growing influence of China with its indifference to democratic governance, and the internal challenges facing some Western democracies. Much of Africa remains caught up in a struggle between leaders who would circumscribe democracy and retreat from democratic openings and individuals who lay themselves on the line to defend and extend them. Data from recent Afrobarometer surveys confirm that most ordinary Africans remain unflinching in their preference for democracy and core democratic norms and institutions.

About the Authors

E. Gyimah-Boadi

E. Gyimah-Boadi, former professor at the University of Ghana, Legon, is cofounder and executive director of Afrobarometer, as well as founder and former executive director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). His books include Public Opinion, Democracy, and Market Reform in Africa (2005).

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Carolyn Logan

Carolyn Logan is associate professor of political science at Michigan State University and director of analysis for Afrobarometer.

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Josephine Sanny

Josephine Sanny is Afrobarometer’s knowledge-translation manager.

View all work by Josephine Sanny