Eniola Akinkuotu, a journalist and prominent commentator on African political affairs, has drawn attention to the erosion of democracy across the continent due to compromised legislative and judicial institutions.
Akinkuotu asserts that the failure of these arms of government to uphold democratic principles has led to many flawed elections and constitutional amendments that favour presidential tenure extensions.
His words:
”Democracy is failing in Africa because the other arms of government, namely the legislature and the judiciary, are compromised.
”The legislators allow presidents to amend the constitution and extend their tenure in office while the judiciary refuses to upturn the results of fraudulent elections.
”Have you ever wondered why, despite all the flawed elections going on in Africa, only two Presidential polls have ever been upturned by the courts?
”One in Malawi and the other in Kenya. I’m 100% sure that Ali Bongo would have won in court if his victory had been challenged.”
Persistent concerns over compromised governance systems have marred Africa’s democratic landscape.
As democracy struggles to take root in Africa, Akinkuotu’s observations underline the critical need for independent and impartial legislative and judicial systems.
The challenges identified by Akinkuotu point to a larger conversation about the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, fostering transparency, and enhancing the rule of law.
