![]() ![]() It is important to note that, although elections are critical to the transition of a country from authoritarianism to constitutional democracy, they can also serve as a tool for the survival of authoritarian governments. In fact, while elections can help African countries consolidate, deepen, and entrench democracy, they can also pave the way for sustained majoritarian power to the detriment of the minority, as we have seen in countries like Cameroon. Nevertheless, in order for elections to perform these three important functions and do so effectively, these elections must (i) be regular, not infrequent and (ii) fair, free, competitive, inclusive, transparent, and credible.Īt the same time, free and frequent elections as a constraint to governmental tyranny are a necessary but not sufficient condition to guarantee and guard liberty. In Africa, elections perform at least three important democratizing functions: They (1) help the continent build and sustain effective democratic institutions (2) provide the people with an effective legal tool to constrain and guard the government and minimize impunity and (3) enhance the ability of the people to change their government and bring into public service new and more energetic and effective political leaders. The hope is that, as the level of democratic development improves in these countries, such constitutional coups will become a rarity.įree and frequent elections as a constraint to governmental tyranny are a necessary but not sufficient condition to guarantee and guard liberty. It is important to note that relatively weak institutions and the absence of a democratic culture have facilitated the ability of incumbents to manipulate constitutions in the countries named in this paragraph. Changing the constitution to eliminate term and/or age limits for presidents and allow the incumbent president to unconstitutionally extend his mandate has been referred to as a constitutional coup. Presidents that have changed their countries’ constitutions to eliminate the two-term limit include Presidents Gnassingbé (Togo), Museveni (Uganda), Déby (Chad), Biya (Cameroon), Kagame (Rwanda), the late Nkurunziza (Burundi), and el-Sisi (Egypt), just to name a few. ![]() In addition, these and other recent institutional changes have created conditions that make it very difficult for the opposition to participate competitively in elections. Notably, while presidents in some countries, such as Kenya, Liberia, and Ghana, have abided by their countries’ two-term limit, others have used legislatures subservient to the president to change their constitutions to allow them to stay in power beyond those two terms, and, in some cases, indefinitely. This new game will let you try your hand at governing the diverse democracies of Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, Tunisia, Botswana and Mauritius.When you step down, will your country be in a better state than when you took up office?Īlthough it builds on the existing game, Democracy 3: Africa has completely new artwork, music and a series of new events and dilemmas tuned to the issues and situations that are relevant in contemporary Africa.Nonresident Senior Fellow - Global Economy and Development, Africa Growth Initiative Serious issues like malnutrition and access to clean water could be a matter of life and death for the poorest. Foreign aid and investment takes on a new meaning and often comes with strings attached. ![]() Democracy 3: Africa simulates the myriad interactions between voters, policies, economic and political variables, political parties and the various situations that develop over time.ĭemocracy 3: Africa uses the base design and gameplay from the original game but the diversity of social and economic situations in Africa presents you with new challenges and opportunities. This turn-based political strategy game uses a unique icon-driven interface to help you navigate the most complex political and economic simulation ever seen in a computer game, custom-built on its own proprietary neural network. Set entirely in countries on the continent of Africa, D3:A puts you in charge of these countries and challenges you to stay in power whilst fixing each country's problems, improving the quality of life for your electorate, and steering them towards greater prosperity. Have you ever wanted to be president or prime-minister? Convinced you could do a better job of running the country? Let's face it, you could hardly do a worse job than our current political leaders.ĭemocracy 3: Africa is the new standalone 're-imagining' of the hit political strategy game 'Democracy 3'. ![]()
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