The 1990s began with an unprecedented democratic opening in Francophone Africa. While a number of countries have suffered setbacks and even reversals, others continue to make progress, and popular aspirations for democracy remain strong.
About the Author
Christopher Fomunyoh is senior associate for Africa and special advisor to the president at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that works to support and strengthen freedom and democracy worldwide.
Surveys show that Africans’ commitment to democracy fades over time, but also that their support can be refreshed by alternations in power via elections.
Election officials made strides toward secure voter identification, and a two-party system appears to be emerging, but the 2019 elections revealed continuing problems with vote-buying and violence.
