Introduction

The notion of democracy is universally known through Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote, “government of the people, by the people and for the people”. The democratic process in Africa, from independence to the present day, has not been an easy ride. It has been marked by chronic instability, characterized by political, social and institutional upheavals. This implies that democracy is in its early stages in Africa, given the challenge of political alternation, coups d’état and the muzzling of the press.

The challenge of political change-over

Political changeover is the oxygen of democracy, said François MITTERAND. Unfortunately, it is barely a reality in many African countries. Some heads of state maneuver to stay in power through what is commonly known as “constitutional fiddling”. These consist of a president, at the end of his second term, to proposing the adoption of a new constitution, which would change the rules and allow him, if adopted, to run for another term. Even if this procedure is legal, we have to admit that it does not ensure political changeover.

The resurgence of coups

A coup d’état is a violation of democracy insofar as the democratically-established regime is overthrown by some of its rulers or subordinate agents, namely the military. It is called a putsch or pronunciamento when perpetrated by the latter. The interruption of the democratic process by force often creates a climate of socio-political and institutional instability.

Muzzling the press

Freedom of the press is one of the essential conditions for the proper functioning of democracy. It informs public opinion about the management of political power. However, this freedom is often restricted in certain contexts in many African countries, particularly those plagued by insecurity. This being the case, the press is now called upon to follow a guideline. This means that certain information will no longer reach the public. They are working under relentless pressure. The situation is also alarming in other countries, with mass and unjustified arrests of journalists hampering the momentum of the fourth estate, the press.

Conclusion

Democracy is said to have begun in Africa in the years following independence. But despite significant advances in some countries, others are still lagging behind due to a political situation marked by flagrant violations of the most basic rules of democracy. However, the responsibility of political actors is not to be underestimated in this breach of democracy, insofar as elections are marred by unhealthy practices such as corruption, the buying of consciences, fraud and so on. So, in order to encourage democracy to take root in Africa, it would be wise for the players involved to think about reshaping the electoral system, taking into account African specificities.