Aspirations and Realities in Africa: Democratic Delivery Falls Short

Issue Date July 2019
Volume 30
Issue 3
Page Numbers 86-93
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A growing number of media and scholarly analysts report a loss of faith in democracy and its institutions, processes, and broad outcomes among citizens in many regions of the world. Findings from waves of Afrobarometer surveys since 1999 and recent developments in the domestic politics of many African countries indicate that the continent and its citizens are generally bucking this negative trend, at least in terms of popular aspirations. Democracy advocates and policy actors must identify ways to sustain and deepen African attachment to democratic values while encouraging intransigent leaders to address gaps in democratic supply.

About the Author

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).

View all work by E. Gyimah-Boadi