Most countries in Africa are not democratic
EDITOR: I wish to make some observations on the issue of democracy in Africa. Most countries that call themselves democratic are not up to scratch.
EDITOR: I wish to make some observations on the issue of democracy in Africa. Most countries that call themselves democratic are not up to scratch.
For example, in Uganda's elections there have been disturbing issues like missing names in the voter's register while in other cases, pictures were tampered with.
Such human errors should have been effectively addressed by the Electoral Commission long before the election exercise.
In Libya, at least 1,500 people have been killed since anti-Government protests erupted there. The protesters do not want to hear any proposals by Gadaffi.
In South Africa, a race row has divided the ruling African National Congress (ANC) which espoused non-racialism in its fight against apartheid. A generational rift has been laid bare.
Political analysts say there appears to be an increasing divide in the ANC between the veterans of the anti-apartheid struggle and those looking to make money from programmers put in place by the party to give blacks a bigger slice of the economic pie.
In Somali, President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed’s forces control about 70% of the rubble-strewn city although they are dependent on the peacekeeping force to maintain their grip.
In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak has stepped down and in Tunisia Ben Ali has been toppled. Citizens in Africa can vote once every four or five years but they do not vote on issues.
They just elect their so-called representatives who have no obligation by law and little incentives. Individual interests are paramount! What then is democracy?
Public officials in a democracy should hold office in the name of the people and remain accountable to them. I extend my sympathies to all the families that have been affected by political unrest on the continent.
Christopher Mbowa Wasswa
cmbowakituo@ymail.com
For example, in Uganda's elections there have been disturbing issues like missing names in the voter's register while in other cases, pictures were tampered with.
Such human errors should have been effectively addressed by the Electoral Commission long before the election exercise.
In Libya, at least 1,500 people have been killed since anti-Government protests erupted there. The protesters do not want to hear any proposals by Gadaffi.
In South Africa, a race row has divided the ruling African National Congress (ANC) which espoused non-racialism in its fight against apartheid. A generational rift has been laid bare.
Political analysts say there appears to be an increasing divide in the ANC between the veterans of the anti-apartheid struggle and those looking to make money from programmers put in place by the party to give blacks a bigger slice of the economic pie.
In Somali, President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed’s forces control about 70% of the rubble-strewn city although they are dependent on the peacekeeping force to maintain their grip.
In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak has stepped down and in Tunisia Ben Ali has been toppled. Citizens in Africa can vote once every four or five years but they do not vote on issues.
They just elect their so-called representatives who have no obligation by law and little incentives. Individual interests are paramount! What then is democracy?
Public officials in a democracy should hold office in the name of the people and remain accountable to them. I extend my sympathies to all the families that have been affected by political unrest on the continent.
Christopher Mbowa Wasswa
cmbowakituo@ymail.com