DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA IS A BLESSING

Good morning/ afternoon honorable panel of judges, esteemed time keeper, my fellow
debaters and friends, My name is Viral Chandiramani and I am for the topic that
Democracy is a blessing in africa. Looking at democracy, what is it in the first place?
Democracy is a system of government in which state power is vested in the people or the
general population of a state.It is a system where power is vested in the people and
exercised by them directly or through freely elected representatives

Let's look at why democracy is a blessing in africa. First of all and the most important
thing, democracy allows the citizens of a particular nation anywhere in the world to make
use of their free rights in the right manner however they want ranging from freedom of
speech and all the way to living life according to how they want it and to even choosing
their own government bodies such as the president, mayors and e.t.c

Countries such as Benin, Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Mauritius, Senegal and South
Africa have not only become beacons of political rights and civil liberties, they have done
so against the greatest of obstacles. These experiences teach us important lessons
about where democracy can work, and why.

=>Political scientists like to talk about the conditions necessary for countries to build a
strong and stable democracy. These lists are fiercely fought over, but there are a number
of factors that most researchers would agree are probably important.
=>A cohesive national identity is likely to make it easier to maintain national unity, while
wealth and economic success have been found to promote political stability. A strong
national infrastructure

What is remarkable about the democratisation of African states is that most did not enjoy
a single one of these “pre-conditions”.

=>With the exception of South Africa, all of Africa’s democracies entered multiparty
politics with low GDP per capita and high levels of unemployment. This was
compounded by weak and underdeveloped states that had been designed – both in the
colonial era and during the authoritarian rule of the 1980s – to exploit resources rather
than empower citizens. In states like Ghana, this was compounded by a history of
military rule, which heightened the risk of further coups.

Praising Africa’s democratic success stories does not, of course, mean that we should
overlook its failures. A number of countries have taken steps backwards in recent years,
including Tanzania and Uganda. Authoritarian leaders also remain entrenched in
Cameroon, Chad, Eritrea , and many more. But it is important to recognise that there is
much more to Africa than authoritarianism.

We should, therefore, give greater credit to the politicians and people of Africa’s
democratic states. African presidents are often lambasted for being corrupt and
self-serving. But, in a number of countries, they have shown considerable restraint,
establishing institutions capable of checking their power.

In Ghana, cohesive relationships among the political elite have underpinned a growing
consensus on the value of democracy. In South Africa, inclusive leadership has played a
critical role in overcoming racial divisions and building trust in the new post-apartheid
political system since 1994. In Namibia, successive presidents have refused to use the
electoral dominance of the governing party to remove the opposition.

Lets take the current situation in Burkina Faso, the only reason that country is being
controlled by military

Democracy can be considered a blessing for Africa for several reasons:

Here are some real-life examples of how democracy has been proven useful in Africa:

Peaceful Transitions of Power: Democracy has allowed for peaceful transitions of power
through elections in many African countries. For example, in Ghana, there have been
several successful transitions of power from one political party to another through
democratic elections. This has helped to maintain political stability and avoid violent
conflicts.

Protection of Human Rights: Democracy provides a framework for the protection of

human rights in Africa. In South Africa, the democratic system played a crucial role in
ending apartheid and establishing a more inclusive society. The democratic institutions
in South Africa have helped to safeguard human rights and promote equality among its
diverse population.

Citizen Participation: Democracy encourages citizen participation in the political process.

In Kenya, for instance, democratic reforms have led to increased citizen engagement and
participation in decision-making. This has allowed for a more inclusive and
representative government that takes into account the needs and aspirations of the
people.

Accountability and Transparency: Democratic systems promote accountability and

transparency in governance. In Botswana, for example, regular elections have helped to
hold leaders accountable for their actions and decisions. This has contributed to a
relatively low level of corruption and a more transparent government.

Promotion of Economic Development: Democracy can contribute to economic

development in Africa. In Mauritius, a democratic country, political stability and good
governance have attracted foreign investment and fostered economic growth. The
democratic institutions in Mauritius have helped to create an environment conducive to
business and entrepreneurship.

These are just a few examples of how democracy has been proven useful in Africa. It is
important to note that the impact of democracy can vary across different countries, and
there may be challenges in its implementation. However, overall, democracy has played a
significant role in promoting political stability, protecting human rights, and fostering
development in many African nations.