Fragile African democratic gains face erosion

Outlook

Despite a proliferation of election-related disputes, Afrobarometer data indicates that 63% of Africans view recent elections as generally free and fair; such faith is bolstered by alteration at the ballot box.

Yet while confidence in electoral processes is surprisingly strong, a new Afrobarometer/Transparency International survey indicates that most citizens do not believe their governments are doing enough to combat worsening corruption.

Some 39% believe that most or all government officials are corrupt, and 36% believe parliamentarians are similarly compromised. With one in four citizens paying a bribe to secure access to public services over the preceding year, faith in good governance and government efforts are being eroded.

Impacts

• NGO calls for a regional anti-corruption court may gain traction.
• Growing political populism will damage faith in democratic institutions and orthodox economic policies.
• High-level anti-graft measures in South Africa face greatest ongoing resistance at subnational levels.