By our staff reporter
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance’s (International IDEA) Africa and West Asia Regional Office, in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland, has unveiled the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) 2023 Report titled “The New Checks and Balances.” The report sheds light on the strengths and challenges faced by African democracies, emphasizing both the wave of unrest and military coups in the Sahel region and the progress made in countries like The Gambia and Zambia.
According to the report’s key findings, African countries have shown advancements in election administration, political participation, and the expansion of civic space. Notably, political participation has emerged as a regional strength, with nine African countries ranking among the top 50 globally. The experiences of countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone demonstrate the significant role that popular movements can play as countervailing institutions when other mechanisms fail to constrain governments.
The launch event, held on February 8th, 2024, in Addis Ababa, has garnered participation from various stakeholders, including International IDEA member states, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), United Nations agencies, diplomatic representatives, civil society organizations, research institutions, think tanks, academic bodies, election management bodies, and government officials.
The Global State of Democracy Report, an annual publication by International IDEA, provides a comprehensive overview of global and regional trends in democracy and human rights. It combines case studies with actionable recommendations for policymakers, governments, and civil society, offering valuable insights for promoting democratic governance.
Dr. Roba Sharamo, the Regional Director of International IDEA’s Africa and West Asia Office, highlights the challenges faced by African democracies, particularly in the Sahel region. However, he also acknowledges positive developments across the region, including the strengthening role of civic groups and popular political movements.
The report further highlights the mixed record of formal countervailing institutions. While co-opted and weak legislatures contrast with judiciaries and fourth-branch institutions that effectively serve as checks on executive power, the role of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities in upholding democratic norms is underscored. However, the report emphasizes the need for effective democratic institutions at the domestic level, as member states’ inadequate compliance has demonstrated.
The Global State of Democracy (GSoD) 2023 Report provides a valuable resource for understanding the state of democracy in Africa, informing policy discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic governance in the region.
