UN report hints progress in Africa’s Democracy

October 19, 2009 (NAIROBI) – Despite the unfolding threat of authoritarianism, corruption and political instability in some countries, a new UN report said that Africa’s overall trend is witnessing unsteady but remarkable progress toward democracy.

The comprehensive governance report released by the UN Economic Commission for Africa indicated that, a new political dispensation and multi-party democracy is mushrooming in several African countries.

However the report shows that the long journey still remains behind, mainly because continent’s moves are being punctured by chronic setbacks.

According to the report, incumbent parties are still hostile to opponents. Quality of elections remains suspect in many countries with a continuing tendency to re-elect the incumbent, and adherence to constitutionalism and the rule of law are still not deep-rooted everywhere.

The report has indicated that corruption, which is costing Africa 150 Billion dollar every year, is continent’s leading challenge to the efforts in curbing poverty.

African Development Bank estimates that corruption in Africa leads to a loss of around 50 percent of domestic tax revenues thus significantly limiting the ability of African governments to fund vital public and social services.

Over the years, continent’s political landscape has been influenced by constitutional order. Many African countries had been ruled by military junta, life presidents or one- party ruling system.

But in recent years there are promising changes on to those trends. Positive moves towards less conflict, more democracy and greater development, the report said.

Accordingly, Multi-party elections have become more regular, with particularly encouraging electoral processes

Currently some 29 African countries have voluntarily acceded to NEPAD’s African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a self-monitoring instrument to promote good governance on the continent. Among which some are actively implementing the review.

The scope of political representation has widened and efforts have been made through constitutional provisions to reflect the diversity of African societies in organs of government, especially in the executive and legislature.

(ST)