Africa has experienced an unprecedented wave of democratic transitions, with five opposition parties winning elections across the continent. Ghana became the latest nation to join this trend as opposition leader and former President John Mahama triumphed over the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The NPP, in power since 2016, suffered a historic defeat, polling below 45% of the presidential vote for the first time since 1996.
Ghana’s elections cap a remarkable 12 months of political change in Africa, with opposition victories also recorded in Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal, and the self-declared republic of Somaliland. These results reflect a broader trend of voters across the continent expressing their frustration with incumbent governments, primarily over economic mismanagement, corruption, and a failure to uphold democratic principles.
A Year of Political Upheaval
The African electorate has demonstrated a readiness to punish ruling parties for poor governance and economic hardships. Rising food and fuel prices, coupled with stagnant wages, have left millions struggling, fueling public anger. Ghana’s debt crisis and scandals further undermined the NPP, mirroring challenges faced by other governments.
Botswana saw the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in power since independence in 1966, nearly wiped out in October’s elections. The BDP won only four parliamentary seats, its worst-ever performance. Similarly, Mauritius’ November elections saw the Alliance Lepep coalition reduced to just two seats as the Alliance du Changement swept 60 of the 66 available.
Senegal’s political turnaround was equally dramatic. Opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye secured a first-round victory, overcoming systemic repression and the jailing of prominent opposition figures by President Macky Sall’s administration. In Somaliland, opposition parties also secured a rare transfer of power, reflecting growing public demand for accountability.
The Broader Trend: Democratic Resilience
The political shifts in Africa come at a time when global democracy faces significant challenges. In contrast to rising authoritarianism in some regions, Africa has showcased its democratic resilience. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and voters have mobilized to demand change, pushing back against corruption and economic mismanagement.
Even where ruling parties retained power, their dominance has been severely challenged. In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) fell below 50% of the vote for the first time, forcing President Cyril Ramaphosa into a coalition government. Namibia’s ruling party, while maintaining control, recorded its worst parliamentary performance ever, losing significant ground to the opposition.
Lessons for the Future
This year’s elections highlight three critical factors driving change: economic grievances, anti-corruption sentiments, and opposition unity. In Botswana and Senegal, opposition parties formed strategic coalitions, presenting a united front against entrenched governments. In Mauritius, meticulous monitoring of the electoral process helped safeguard the opposition’s victory.
The economic downturn has further galvanized voters. Rising costs of living, exacerbated by global inflation, have intensified demands for better governance. This trend mirrors global discontent, as seen in recent elections in the United States and the United Kingdom, but Africa’s democratic pushback is particularly notable given its history of authoritarian regimes.
A New Chapter in African Politics
With five opposition victories in 12 months, Africa has set a record for democratic transitions. This trend underscores the continent’s growing commitment to democratic accountability, even as challenges persist. Leaders heading to the polls in 2025, such as Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, face a politically awakened electorate ready to demand change.
As the world grapples with democratic backsliding, Africa’s political resilience offers valuable lessons. The continent’s vibrant multiparty politics, fueled by citizen activism, serves as a powerful reminder that democracy can thrive even in the face of adversity.
