In a speech delivered in Nigeria on January 27, 2025, Ghana’s former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, tackled the pressing issue of democracy’s fragility across Africa and the world.
Against the backdrop of recent political upheavals on the continent, Dr. Bawumia stressed the need for leaders to respect democratic principles, especially during elections, to ensure political stability and public trust.
“Between 2020 and 2023, there have been about eight coup d’états in Africa,” he pointed out. “A few leaders have also changed or are changing their constitutions to allow them to stay in power beyond their constitutionally mandated terms.”
Highlighting these worrying trends, Dr. Bawumia argued that the survival of democracy hinges on leaders trusting electoral processes and embracing the will of the people.
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The speech resonated deeply, particularly as the continent has witnessed democratic backslides in several nations. Countries like Mali, Guinea, and Sudan have experienced military takeovers, while others have faced constitutional manipulations aimed at extending presidential terms.
Dr. Bawumia described 2024 as a “year of political disruption,” referencing data that showed incumbents losing elections in 80% of the 60 countries where elections were held globally. This, he said, was driven largely by economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He cited examples from countries like South Africa, the United States, and India, where rising living costs influenced electoral outcomes.
Turning his focus to Ghana, he reflected on the country’s recent presidential and parliamentary elections held in December 2024.
Dr. Bawumia, who was both the sitting Vice President and the ruling party’s presidential candidate, acknowledged the pre-election anxiety about fairness and transparency, fueled by opposition claims of potential rigging.
“In democratic countries, the will of the people is expressed through elections, and leaders, especially incumbents, must trust the electoral process and accept the will of the people for the survival of democracy,” he emphasized.
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