Are elections working in Africa?

YES, elections are working in Africa, what BBC Africa Have Your Say should be asking is to what degree do elections work in Africa?. Yes, controversy trails many African elections as the election in Sudan and most recently the election in Ethiopia shows.
However, there exist some elections held in Africa that could well be described as free and fair, some months ago precisely in February, Anambra state, a state in Nigeria held an election which was described as free and fair to the extent that majority of the opposition congratulated the winner of the election.
Truth is, Africans have a way of doing things, elections in Africa is seen as a 'do or die affair' by the politicians hence they employ every means to win vote. Be that as it may, elections work in Africa because without election or at least a show of electioneering process,dictators would continually remain in power amd developed countries and international organizations would not recognize the government of that country.

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I totally agree that elections in Africa are causing change though at slow pace, we can not expect quick change, may be coming generations will have to see that as Africans still need Education to know true Democracy as most ignorant people are bribed during elections. Most opposition parties in Africa are always after power not well fare of their people, for instance forming of coalition Governments in Kenya and Zimbabwe showed true greed, also there is need to chase military Governments in Africa and that's when we shall get new leaders who don't believe in wars, i know that elections have influence in Africa but it not yet enough to shake African Dictators.

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Yes It works. It is shown in Ethiopia in 2005. The problem is the transition. Corruption and Foriegn Aid dependancy makes African leaders unwilling to listen to people will. What matters is their source finance Corruption and Foreing Aid. But again independent Judiciary and Military presence does not allow the Dictator leaders to stay in power. But in most cases both the Judiciary and Military are not independent.

Abebe Eyasu

The elections that occured in Ethiopia in particular were nothing short of a crook man's deception. I'm not Ethiopian as my nickname indicates but I know the African leaders mentality, which is to stay on power any means necessary.
The sad part about it is that Western countries are aware of the deceitfulness of the regime in power but choose to just ignore it because it does not serve their interest. This shows that the call for democracy by these western countries is contradictory at all times. Yet they invade Iraq in the name of Democracy, give me a break.

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[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator] THIS WAS A MOCKERY."A MULTIPARTY THEATRE,IN A ONE PARTY STATE".The governing Front`s cadre`s(still their official title from their marxist days) overcooked their way out of legitimate democracy. "Campaigning strategy"was to be heavy-handed intimidation,threat of declining commodoties like fertilizer,public sector jobs,-basically amenities from the state.RESULT? 99.9% of vote.
YeMizan

Choolwe Kasamu, Elections work in less than five countries. Opposition political parties if anything spend much more in elections than ruling parties, but if they can win? Remains a nightmare. Elections are no longer a measure of democracy, a majority decision. Clinging to power by African leaders defeats the purpose of elections. We had Presidential petitions in 2001 and 2006 before the new phenomena power sharing government. If Elections are not a means to choosing ruling government, then they are not working for Africa. African needs an alternative to elections. [Personal details removed by Moderator]

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[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]Dear BBC,
If Mr. Meles and his western alliances confront the people with too much reality, it is the same to committing political suicide! We have seen widespread apathy among main donor countries for more than a quarter of this century! So, What are critical to have Free land and free people? Watch out! The coming days are more challenging than ever before because of so many complicated interests of various types in that particular land! Look at all atrocities that have been demonstrated since 2005! Almost it is clear and crystal clear to see what is going on in this country where majority are under poverty line for a half century. If westerners continue their negligence to respect their own democratic values and customs then the term 'election' soon or later will be the most hated term in Africa in general and in Ethiopia in particular. This is a high time for USA and EU to show their long standing affection to democracy and its basic institutions for all humanity throughout our globe. World has been getting more enemies than ever before because of wrong thinking of political and diplomacy correctedness!

[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]Election is working in few countries of Africa but not in most as it should by now. As you can see the recent example in Ethiopia, its very obvious that there has been vote rigging or intimidation to manipulate the out come of the election because a party that lost all seats from the capital in the last election cannot come back and win all seats after 5 years not matter what kind of Economical development they score. What make it even worse is that the its seems as if the whole rigging seems to be endorsed by the very governments that screams about development and good governance day in and out. Its is these kind of back door support that is counter democracy in countries like Ethiopia. We have to know that the West has publicly made a choice of having dictator rule for stability rather than promoting a real democracy and hold dictators accountable. The West chosen economic growth they themselves are not sure about at the expense of people freedom. The West gives lip service to the entire population of Africans but fails to show its commitment to develop it. So yes ironically election are not working in countries that the US or EU support the most. Countries like Ethiopia are good examples to African next generation leaders on how to stay in power forever with the help of democratic countries. So the # 1 reason why elections are not working in most African countries are simply because the West is turning blind eye

[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator] Election , in Ethiopia will never work because of the manner of the regime,who apprantly leading the country.If the ruling leaders have just come with guns , it wouldn't conduct or make,working democratic election after all.We exprianced Durg regime and now TPLF , the two have the same wings and feathrs.I think the Melese ruling party has hidden doctruine hidenning for Wastrens ,EU and USA.The TPLF is alawys hidding itself by using anti-terroirism struggle which may entice these developed nations.But the game is remaining at Addis Palace believed to prolong the regime's life.
Developed country like EU and USA may make mistakes for not taking on time actions aganist Melese ruling party.For exapmle,this years absolute fraud of election is pretty good example.It is offecial TPLF has manuipulated and messed up the truth we and you knew.Melese seems like to intend continuing going the same road by ralying on the word Terriorism,which is a core issue for the World. In this case,with Melese style of game , especally in Ethiopia will never work free na dfair elections.And for African coutries like Zembabowi , Kenya,Ugand and even will also Egypy Eritrea as well.Please BBC keep on eye.!

[Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator] It is ready sad day for Ethiopia. 99% win, which was not seen in any country since communist era. I will be surprised if the western are going to recognize as legit election by posing questions, so why not Zimbabwe? Why not south Korea?...it is all the same .. No one can take “he is our…” for an answer. What about 80 million Ethiopians?

God help us.

A better question would have been are elections in Africa free and fair rather than are elections working in Africa because some do and some don’t. Free and fair elections would work in Africa but unfortunately they are very few and far between. Opposition parties everywhere complain so that is not unique to Africa but what is unique to Africa is the fact they don’t get fair shot at winning elections. For example, look at the election result in Ethiopia. A party that has been in power for the last two decades just won 98% of the seats in parliament. In the last election where there was some semblance of fairness the opposition won 40% of the vote according to the government it self. There were people who believed the ruling party stole that election but if the latest result is to be believed Ethiopia is officially a one party state.

why should African wait/lisen the EU or U.S for saing "this election is fair or not fair?"why we dont believe our own people over the others?because its our country we love our country more than the outsiders. there is NO fair election any where in the world NOT in EU,U.S or Asia.WE NEED STICK TOGETHER! [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]

Currently elections in Africa are not working due to the fake and symbolic nature of how it is being conducted. It is not free,fair and the true outcome of the election is never revealed. The key issue is,the idea of election in Africa is forced upon governments by the UN and donor nations therefore,the ruling elites are conducting elections not because they believe in it but because they have to. When the campaign starts, then you see the ugly face of oppression,intimidation and harassment of opposition parties and their supporters often leading to blood shed. The danger is, as we just saw in Ethiopia, the ruling party claimed victory and no external body would seriously challenge such an out come because of their own self interest. Zenawi is the darling of the west,he is politically smart. He walks and talks neo-liberalism claiming double digit economic growth while the whole world in in recession! The vast majority of Ethiopians cannot even afford to buy their basic need-food and continue to be vulnerable and yet, his economic growth claim is backed by western media. Would we have seen such praise for Basher of Sudan next door? He too, claims economic growth and just won unfair election. This said, Africans have no other option but to stick to elections however flawed. I strongly believe as time goes and more and more elections are held and societies develop, the democratic process of election is an inevitable outcome.

Elections in Africa are working of course not 100% but to the extend of some calm. The problems with Africa's elections are the politicans. They don't want to except reality and always looking for means to stire up unecessary comments. What're trying to say is that our politicans should accept defeat and stop using these words" Freed and Fair" because for some reasons they are not declare the winner.

The elections are working. The opposition blames the incumbent for their losses. They dont cmapign thouroughly. Sing to Western tunes of transparency and freee and fairness. In africa is wat u give is matters. We dont vote according to principles and manisfestos. We vote: tribe,clan, the winning combination and the wealthy! [Personal details removed by Moderator]

What is wrong with our election? The people HAVE spoken. The ruling party (EPRDF) needed only to have around 50-55% to win yet they won with a 90+% victory. Now, please tell me are those that are against the election results saying that the 40+% of votes were stuffed or stolen? If that is the case, then why aren't the observers, both local and international, saying anything?

We have chosen whom we want. The opposition parties had been campaigning miserably for the past few months. They had no agenda whatsoever, except for the fact that they were against the EPRDF. They made promises that everyone knew they could never keep. They were disorganized, they had so much infighting (actual TV footage exists of them in fisticuffs) and we all knew that to them it was just about getting the power.

The Ethiopian people are fed up with war. We are fed up with being poor. And for the past two decades we have been steadily growing. Why would we want to jinx that? We have gained an earning power never seen in our 3,000 years of existence. We have become a stable nation with almost no crime. We are seeing an influx of investors ready to throw their money at us and help us grow, like never before. So, pray do tell, why would we want to vote a group of undecided, dis-united, hatred mongering (their main grudge against the ruling party is that they are from Tigray)
I'm not from Tigray, but I am an Ethiopian and the question I love to ask is "Who cares which part of Ethiopia our leaders come from as long as they are helping my country, my people and myself grow???"

So, please, let us be! We are happy with the results. We have made peace with the 'ghosts of the past' as BBC has said. Ethiopia is moving forward, and that's all we want. Do not judge us, do not undermine us just let us be!!! Stop listening to malcontents and try to dig deeper when reporting about us. Ask 100 people what they think instead of just 1!

One Love !!!
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Unfortunately, elections in most of Africa (including Ethiopian and Burundian) are just futile exercises designed only to trick the external/western world. It is a pity that very poor countries such as Ethiopia waste desperately needed resources to stage a sham exercise every so often instead of supporting the poor and the hungry. I just wonder why the ‘strong’ men of Africa [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator]bother running elections every 4/5 years. Why not make the terms of the election 25 years so that (i) you reduce the misery of the people who are harassed, imprisoned and killed in the name of your quite frequent ‘elections’, (ii) you save some desperately needed resources better and (iii) you also save your face better. The west, which puts election conditionality on aid, should also note this point. If you /the west/ are not in a position to enforce true elections come what may, please do not put such conditionality for it is the ordinary people, the struggling, the elderly, women etc who suffer considerably in the name of elections in Africa.

The effectiveness of elections in determining who should govern is determined by a broad range of factors, some of which, particularly in Africa, are not ideal.

For starters, in an election the decision of choice (assuming the election is free and fair) is in the hands of the electorate. But the quality of the electorate is flawed if
1. the electors do not have access to information (on the morals, the principles, the capabilities etc of the candidates)
2. are not educated on the the role of the people they are expected to elect
3. are preoccupied with other more pressing matters like where to get the next meal, and therefore have little incentive to research, assess and make a thoughtful choice. They are not invested in the process.
etc

Secondly, although there is substantial focus on the conduct of elections on election day itself, the electoral process is a much larger, longer and involved operation. Most elections are largely decided even before election day itself. The process of determining who can stand, whether everyone stands an equal chance in campaigning, the fairness in handling campaign rallies, the general application of electoral law in resolving disputes etc - these all contribute a much larger part to the effectiveness of elections than does the voting process itself. And these pre-election day proceedings are in general very poorly handled not only in Africa, but in many parts of the world. For example, if you do not like the Republican or Democratic Parties in America, I would say your chances of getting successfully elected in the USA are very slim (with a few rare exceptions here and there of people who first made it with either party AND THEN broke away).

Finally, the stakes in African politics are very high, raising substantial moral hazards. Winners often go after the losers, using state machinery to undermine them so that the winners' chances are enhanced in future elections. This puts undue pressure on everyone to do everything necessary to win, including what they would not otherwise do, if a loss was not such a threatening event.

In general, elections are working better this decade than they were fifty years ago (those post-independence events were more selections than elections). And they will improve in the next fifty years. The maturing of a democracy takes time and unfortunately the lot of our generation is to struggle to improve the process, not expecting to see the fruits in our lifetimes.

Ultimately, to improve the election process, the one thing that appears to have the strongest impact, apart from education which is a long and tedious process expected to take decades, is to have a strong independent judiciary which is able to QUICKLY and FAIRLY resolve electoral process issues.

To begin with, it's imperative to acknowledge little progress made by Africa as an improvish continent. We Africans have fought wars with colonisers and even dictators for the sake of freedoms. And we have at the same focal point failed to recognise that the past we struggled for is an important landmark. Elections had never been free and fair in Africa seen creation. Leaders have turned elections as their "house mirrors" that they have control over. We have witnessed flaws in previous Sudan's elections, and now Ethiopia. What is going on in Africa? Please African leaders,and particularly Ethiopean president Mele Zinawi! If you believe elections should be base on democratic priciples and you are confident that you won, let there be a re-run of the elections because you will win again if at all you did not stole the elections.

All most all elections in Africa are not free from the influence of the governing party. The result of Ethiopian election 2010show that the governing party wins for the coming 5years .The opposition party almost did not get any seat. This is because of many facts:1, The governing party use the more public wealth to spread his propaganda to the public. 2, Great influence on the member's of the opposition party. The government plays unfair play(Play loanlly) and wins all the seat. So, Does this show there is democracy in Ethiopia? Totally not. Election Should be evaluated from three points of view: 1, Before election 2. After election and 3. During election..............

I for one always think casting my vote is a waste of time because it is very hard here in Africa for a seating president to give up the seat peacefully, these politicians always amend their countries constitution to allow them rule for ever and after amending them, the next thing they plan is to rig the elections, take for instance Uganda the constitution was amended and term limits were scrapped off and Opposition parties are now crying foul. Campaigning is not an issue, oppositions always do enough of campaigning but all their effort is always brought down through rigging therefore elections are not working in African they are simply covers for dictatorial leaders who fear to be brought down by super powers

In some Nations of Africa, Democratic values are held better than it is often reported by foreign Media. My homeland Country Burundi, elections and democracy are often confused with a cycle of vengeance, or an opportunity to promote ethnic tribe interests. Where Genocide, discrimination, civil war occured, it is imperative to have Partners help post conflict Countries not to go back to war.

HI there !
we all know what is going on now in Ethiopia in particular and in Africa in generall. The best solution will be strengthening international institutions like the ICC where the perpetrators of crimes will ultimately be prosecuted for the crimes they have done agianst innocent civilians . It must addresse equally all nations whether big or small. I am very much concerned about disregarding international laws, especially by big powers, for national interests. Who will care for the implementation of International law?
tlf. [Personal details removed by Moderator]

You bet they are - as if they ever stood a chance of changing ordinary people's lives. The problem is that the international donor community (encouraged, to be sure, by African intellectuals) foolishly assumed that "elections" necessarily mean good governance. The fact that in most cases, it's been the same individual crooks who destroyed the continent re-emerging as agents of change has been considered of no significance. But to irredeemable cynics like me, the fact that very little has changed for ordinary people is not a surprise at all.

Yes for very few countries, but in the countries like Ethiopia it is a Hollow exercise! the group which is on power force people to select EPRDF- because all the people depends on the government services... extension package, health, food aid, etc. It is unlikely to see democracy in Africa partly because of poverty and historical background. I think the ideology of Iayas Afework is better that other African countries like Ethiopia who conduct false election.

Elections in Africa is for formality, is a waste of time. Is just to blind fool the international community that they are respecting the international laws, because no matter how people vote agains the ruling government they will still win.I had never voted in my Country Cameroon.Why do you need to vote when you see not even heared how elections is regd.Democracy is far from Africa.

Rigging elections in African is a normal phenomenor.Take for example Cameroon. In 2007 the constitution was amended to allow the President to stand for another mandate whereby his mandate was to end in 2011. Besides previouse elections has been marked by massive fraud this had left many young, intelligent people with no options than to involves in massive out flow of immigrants who migrate to Europe and other countries for better opportunities, because the change they are seeking,and dreams cannot be met in a system like that.

I wonder how we can have free and fair election in a situation where every thing is controlled by a ruling clique. How can we expect to have free and fair election where the electoral board, the security forces, the judiciary, the media both TV, Radio and printed are run by the ruling party in Ethiopia. How can we have such an election while the leader of the main opposition is in jail and leading political figures are forced to go into exile and those at home threatened with imprisonment? How can we have such a free election while forcing independent journalist into exile or threatening them with imprisonment? Of course beneficiaries of the governing party may tell us the election in Ethiopia was free as far as they can achieve whatever they need and fill their bellies. If someone genuinely believes that Ethiopia needs respect to human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, and all other themes of liberal democracy, then the argument would be to have a level playing field for all political parties and go to the polls. That is then we would know how much the Ethiopian people are fed up with one party system which is not even different from the very secretive style of leadership we see in North Korea. It is very unfortunate to have extremely power addict individuals in the 21st century. It is also very unfortunate that governments that cling to power through such a sham election would be given a recognition by the West and everything would go ahead as normal in the not too distant future. What makes the election in Ethiopia unique is that all the leading international human rights groups had made it clear that the political space was so limited that there could not be a credible election in the country; all their cries had fallen on deaf ears. The government has made it clear that it wouldn’t bow to any pressure from the international community. Because it knows that they will get back to it sooner or later. This shows how arrogantly they behave. It is only if such governments are punished for their hubris they may learn.
We should know, however, that the elections in some parts of Africa were credible. The election in Ghana was exceptional. We often see fair elections in Botswana and a few other countries and these countries should be applauded while those power mongers should be condemned. Power addicts should be told that enough is enough. They should learn from ever increasing demand for change and respect those demands and go for these changes even if it means that they leave office for the sake of national interest.

Are elections in Africa working? Some are, and some aren’t. And the western media has a strong hand to play.

Our judgments of elections – an election anywhere but particularly that of African nations – are heavily dependent on western media. We often do not trust that the local media or media owned by the government will give us an accurate assessment of the elections. We, therefore, turn to western media (such as the BBC) to give us an unbiased and accurate account of the election. What I have noticed in the last 10 years of being back in Africa is that the western media (BBC included) often fail at presenting us with just the facts. Most of the news reports have a tendency to assume that leaders in Africa are always already cheating.

Why do we assume that the majority of Ethiopians feel cheated? Why do we assume that the majority of Ethiopians would actually prefer the opposition over the EPRDF? Why do we assume that what the opposition says is always correct?

Western media such as the BBC should report on an election without any preconceived ideas about what the results ought to be. And they should report on all aspects of the election. We don’t need you to take sides; we just want you to present us the story from all possible angles.

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Elections work as per 'Donor requirements',they are held, votes counted and then end of story. Elections don't cause the expected regime change as those on the continent can see.

Dear Sir
In my opinion, the ony places where elections worked in the entire continet, are in South Africa and Ghana. The rest are all sham election. Unfortunately, what has happened in my country, Ethiopia, is a complete disaster. Unless a certain international law is imposed on leaders that come to power from the bush, there is no way of removing them through the ballot box.

Elections in Africa may or may not be working. This depends on ones view point and interest in a case in point. First, electoral process in Africa is an import of a system that has worked in the west for many, many years compared to Africa where its life is under sixty years. Two, the competitive politics vested in democracy is wonderful but in Africa the external influences derived from resource control remains the greatest challenge. On the other hand, political leadership in Africa are rarely willing to establish strong democratic institutions because of fear of the unknown. It time the external influences to Africa become positive and supportive of strong demoncratic institutions in Africa. Likewise, there is need for more social responsibility rather than funding military endeavors.

Elections in Africa work until the election is over.We see that over and over again the corruption and greed kick in and all promises are forgotten until the next election.Its a cycle that goes on and on and will never change.

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While the elections in Ethiopia, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Kenya etc raises many issues for concern, it will be farfectched to question the relevance of elections in Africa. Countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Benin and Senegal ave demonstrated that change can be effected through elections. A credible election is the product of effective institutions as well as a political leadership that understan that it is a mere instrument through which citizens exercise their legitimate democratic rights.It is this common sense that many African politicians that make them undermine African elections through rigging and unecessary foul cry.

Elections aren't working as intended to, however, it's always a good start to take one step at a time in order to reach an extremity. I'd rather blame our turpitude politicians who step up with unscrupulous campaign spweing words of divisiveness. Until that, elections are worthless in the continent at the moment.

Through out the past the westerns had set "standards" for the elections in Africa. Those "standards" are different from the ones they set for themselves merely because of the assumption that it can at most be peaceful. That is what the EU's comment on Ethiopia's election exactly means- "peaceful and well organised".
I believe all Africans deserve a democracy as good as the west and as good as what can possibly be practiced. Our situation needs to be considered from the viewpoint whether or not our elections can provide such an outcome for the people and, of course,they never did!
Our(Ethiopia) political situation is not skin deep and not anyone from the west seemed to have realized that until just now. Thanks to God for the Human Rights Watch has now a glimpse of what "a multi-party staged single party" election looks like in Africa. I wouldnt expect countries like the US take any measures to bring about a change in their policies to wards such countries as mine. After all, it is only for their interest that the US stands for!

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The recently concluded election in Britain was marred by voters disenchantment and under-age voting. Let's ask our friends if election is working in Europe.

Africans are not naturally democratic. They have more 'monarchic tendencies' and there's nothing wrong with that. The developed countries had such issues e.g. Britain, Italy, France(apart from America but even they had segregation and all)but they've developed and evolved to get to this point.
The problem is the fact that such phases are being rushed or jumped over without the learning process that is required and needed by every African country. So I dont believe it should be rushed, It takes time. They do not value democracy because they havnt fought for it. Consider how they fought against colonialism. And they won! But remember that at the time, colonialism, theocracy and monarchies were seen as normal and best for the people at the time.
Having a 'dictator' is not the issue. Having a leader -democratic or not- that would improve the standard of living for the people is what is really important at this time.
The important thing isnt the 'freedom' or 'relevance' of election but what the leaders -chosen in whatever way - do for the country and by extension the region.

Although many elections in Africa may not be fair and free, there are significant numbers of elections which are free. For example, I voted recently in Ethiopia, and it was very fair and free regardless of what is said by the Media. I have seen it by myself. I wonder why most people and Media want to judge it from afar. Why many people and Media have come to complain about it, and even doubt its fairness is because the opposition are not willing to accept the result and they always report to them. The governing party may have used a lot of wealth to spread his policies to the public, but the opposition parties were also given significant amount of time to tell their policies to the public. The reason why they have failed is because they could not tell the public their policies except they always attack the governing body’s policy. I don’t exactly know about the other places, but in Addis Ababa, it was very fair and free, more than anybody can expect. Thus, we don’t have to conclude that election in Africa is not necessary because it is not fair, and free. Its fairness and being free must be judged by the people voting, not those living away.

What is wrong with our election? The people voted. The people have chosen whom they want. The opposition parties had been campaigning miserably for the past few months. As I tried to mention above, they had no clear agenda whatsoever, except for the fact that they were fully against the EPRDF policies. They were people united together for the sake of being many in the election (and thought this unity will make them stronger), but have different backgrounds and there is not agreement amongst them. This is the reality, and the people of Ethiopia (living in Ethiopia) only know that. No foreign organization or the Diaspora have clear picture on what is going on in Ethiopia in general and specifically the opposition parties.

Everybody can come and see the way Ethiopia is developing. There is a lot of development in the past few years achieved by EPRDF. Even BBC has said that the capital city Addis Ababa is busy of constructing roads, buildings. This is fact; we have to accept facts as they are. We have become a stable nation with almost no crime. I wonder when some people talk that there has been killing, and torture in the election campaign by the governing party. One person died in Tigray, and it was proved that it was because of personal matters, but because he was member of the opposition party, they kept crying that their member was killed by the government. This is absurd.

So, please, let us not be hatred and enmity spreaders. Our country is well, and it is visible in everybody walking in the streets of Addis Ababa right after the Election Day. Everybody was happy the election was peaceful. This is the reality, and that is why the people as a whole must judge. Human rights watch said that it asked one family and they told him they were forced to vote for the rulling party otherwise they will not be given ID, salary, etc. For one thing, they should know that there are individuals that want to tell the lie always for different purposes. And secondly, they should not take this opinion for one family or individual as a general one.

Now, the people are happy with the results and live our internal matters to the public only. In the media, there is no peace at all in Ethiopia, but the reality is everything is peaceful, stable, and everybody is currently happy. So, I criticise those organizations and individuals when they want to take the peace and stablity we have on the ground. The public only and only can judge. That is all I can say.

Elections in Africa kicks off the process of a democractic governance, it true that holding elections does not mean that a government is democratic, but this is the step in the right direction, there are countries that do not even enjoy this fake priviledge.
On the other hand Africa nations are still young the process of democracy was adopted whole heartedly from our colonial masters who had thousand of years to perfect it... however what did we all see in the recent elctions in the UK, people queued for hours and were not allowed to vote for a number of resons.
Lets not be too hard on African governments who after years of turmoil have allowed elections, it would take time to Africanize democracy and mmake it work for the majority of africans.

The short answer is yes. Elections are working in some parts of Africa.
This is evident of many African countries abadoning coup-de-dat and military dictatorship for elections of their leaders through a democratic process.
The biggest lesson, African countries can learn from the rest of the world is non-violence and how to lose gracefully.Unlike Africa, at end of all elections in the Western World, the losers shake hands with the winners and the former opposing teams often work together on issues of mutual interest to their electorate. Unfortunately African countries, opposing teams are often intimidated and supporters of the winning team are often met with violence and sometimes with death.
Like most things in life, when you are down, you can only go up. Elections can only get better in Africa.

Elections are a big joke in Africa! Joseph Stalin, The man who turned the former Soviet Union from a backward country into a world superpower at unimaginable human cost. Once said, "It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide. It real makes no sense for people to show up in large numbers to cast their vote and it doesn't count. Look at what has happened in Ethiopia, Sudan, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria.... I can go on and on. One wonders whether these are elections or selections. Opposition parties in all these countries are crying foul. Concerned Africans, civil society, should rise up, hold them to account and take on these leaders who hide under the cover of having periodic elections as a means to hold on to power or oppress their people. If this kind of activism doesn't work then there is something fundamentally wrong with our systems. The time to act is now.

Is free election when the opposition wins? It seems like so! The opposition parties in Ethiopia were not strong at all! Most of the opposition party politicians are demagogues. The Ethiopian people knows this and that is why they are not chosen. I personally was ready to choose for any party with an appealing plan for the country, but most of the parties kept on saying, "If we win, we will liberate Mr XX and Mrs YY from prison". They couldn't talk about the public except about their colleague who happens to end in prison for breaching the law. How can I choose for such a party?

I know the governing party, EPRDF, is far from perfect but it's the best in the country. Meles Zenawi will surely be remembered for his good work by the future Ethiopians the way Chinese people remember their champion, Mao Zedong.

EPRDF will be remembered for its timeless contribution to bring peace and development in Ethiopia, the way it will be remembered for making this great country landlocked!

While there have been fair and free elections held in Africa, there have also been more that are questionable at best. Transparency is the issue. When we see reactionary statements made by the ruling, and usually winning party, when questioned on the fairness of the electorial process, it only adds the exclamation point to the issue. Perhaps "I think thou does protest too much" applies. Open your elections to observation, let the light in, then no foriegn parties can say anthing to contradict the results.

If elections work elsewhere why not in Africa? Take, for example, the Ethiopian election. In 2005, EPRDF punished is own members who attempted to vitiate and hamper election campaign by the opponents. A neutral mind can remember what happened in Adama and Bishoftu. Some opposition party members and even the public, especially in Addis Ababa, assumed the act of the government and the stand of EPRDF as the order of donors or Western powers. Why this view? I know how some readers, would label me for this view. It is a true fact. I’m not a member of EPRDF or opposition party, but an Ethiopian who aspire for the wellbeing of the Ethiopian people. Let’s talk truth and understand the realty before posing a biased judgment; let’s assess the realty and facts before taking a side. I’m fully aware of the stand and outlook of the residents of Addis Ababa. Why the people elected EPRDF? (Assuming anyone, including human rights agents, can easily accept that the people of Addis Ababa cannot easily be influenced by EPRDF). I hope leaders of the opposition party are fully cognizant of the neutrality of the workers of Election Board, at least in Addis Ababa. I guess also that top leaders of the opposition part know and accept that residents of Addis Ababa have chosen EPRDF. It is possible to guess factors that motivated the people to elect EPRDF. Projection of infra-structure and development agenda of EPRDF coupled with the current visible progress in education, health and agricultural sectors have attracted the people. On the contrary, the ambiguous agenda and nature of leaders of opposition party dictated the people to choose among the evils. Electing less evil is the choice of prudent people. I’m also fully aware of the weaknesses of EPRDF and its corrupt cadres. The people know the ins and outs of party cadres, but this time the people has elected EPRDF because opposition parties and their motive is no good than EPRDF. To sum up: election in Africa works but usually vitiated by diverse internal and external factors. Most African countries are not strong enough to resist the challenges of international actors and power thirst of internal agents.

Yes, they are working. Elections may be tainted with rigging, balot stuffing and other electoral vices, yet the situation now in Africa can not be compared with our recent past. We are not where we were few years back. The only problem we have is that the opposition parties do not struggle or campaign for votes but rather wait for people to vote out the ruling party for the sake of change. In Nigeria, the oppositon parties are in disarray. They are nowhere. If elections are held next year and the ruling party wins they will begin to cry wolf when there is none.

It is unfortunate that the question itself is vague. What is democracy? It is individuals rights to elect his or her party leaders. Ethiopia has proven the most democratic, fair, well organised,legitimate, genuine and highest turnout in all democratic countries. Old folks, nine month pregnant ladies, crippled and handicapped, blind and deaf all lined up to show their given democracy to elect their legitimate leaders. The turnout were over 92% and the entire nation who was registered to vote went at 4 AM, smoothly, peacefully and democratically voted their choice ballot. Look at what happened in the last British election where thousands went home before they voted due to time and unorganized or between Al Gure and Bush in America. No one has right to criticize Ethiopian democratic election process. Human rights who never mentioned or criticise the West hypocrisy and crime - they have big mouth to comment on Ethiopian election. Ethiopian opposing forces who have no intellegent brain or leadership skill bluffing nonsense.

I can not agree more than what EThiopian already said...

"What is wrong with our election? The people HAVE spoken. The ruling party (EPRDF) needed only to have around 50-55% to win yet they won with a 90+% victory. Now, please tell me are those that are against the election results saying that the 40+% of votes were stuffed or stolen? If that is the case, then why aren't the observers, both local and international, saying anything?

We have chosen whom we want. The opposition parties had been campaigning miserably for the past few months. They had no agenda whatsoever, except for the fact that they were against the EPRDF. They made promises that everyone knew they could never keep. They were disorganized, they had so much infighting (actual TV footage exists of them in fisticuffs) and we all knew that to them it was just about getting the power.

The Ethiopian people are fed up with war. We are fed up with being poor. And for the past two decades we have been steadily growing. Why would we want to jinx that? We have gained an earning power never seen in our 3,000 years of existence. We have become a stable nation with almost no crime. We are seeing an influx of investors ready to throw their money at us and help us grow, like never before. So, pray do tell, why would we want to vote a group of undecided, dis-united, hatred mongering (their main grudge against the ruling party is that they are from Tigray)
I'm not from Tigray, but I am an Ethiopian and the question I love to ask is "Who cares which part of Ethiopia our leaders come from as long as they are helping my country, my people and myself grow???"

So, please, let us be! We are happy with the results. We have made peace with the 'ghosts of the past' as BBC has said. Ethiopia is moving forward, and that's all we want. Do not judge us, do not undermine us just let us be!!! Stop listening to malcontents and try to dig deeper when reporting about us. Ask 100 people what they think instead of just 1!

One Love !!!"

Back in 2004 Bush "allegedly" rigged the elections...

was there an out cry??NO

the same thing happens in Africa...."Are elections working in Africa?"

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There is “election “in Africa, however not a democratic one, because there are no democratic institutions, free election board, free judiciary, free press & military force free of political influence. They (democratic institution) are made sure they don’t exist by most or all African leaders (parties) in power. There are a lot of reason for that, Most of African leaders come to power by coup d'État or by guerilla fight, in the process of taking a power a lot of life can be lost so when they come to power they do shape the institution of their country according to their ideology and believe to protect them self and to stay in power for long as much as they can, not according to their country’s needs.

I case of some African country due to pressure of western countries they do some “elections” from time to time saying that the institution are free and independent even they have strong constitution which never been fully implemented. For the “election” they start making them self (their parties) ready for the net “election” from the next day of the previous “election”. In democratic country after election the winning party starts to implement the promise made at election campaign to convince the population for the next election that their government is working hard to change their life to the better. In Africa it is in contrary, the strategies for the next “election” are intimidation, using ethnic division, food aid, employment privilege… as political weapon.

Some argue that Africa need strong man not democracy (election) absolutely wrong, Africa has and had too many strong men none of them change the life of their population other than theirs. Africa’s strong men may are (were) good for the outsider, even that temporarily, but not for their people. Always democratically elected government is the best for the country and lasting relation ship for the allies.

From the past history to the present where there is democracy there is lasting growth and stability. Democracy is a process, you can’t build democratic institution with in short time, needs to educate the society, need to facilitate for the participation of the population and opposition parties , however there should be a progress , in case of Africa you see the opposite with time passes especially they make sure opposition parties don’t exist if they do the government work hard day and night to discredit them and through their leaders in prison with the pretext known through whole Africa the so called treason

So is election working in Africa? No. Does democratic election work in Africa? Absolutely yes. How? I will exchange my opinion next, if time permits.

It seems like, the west, and some gullible Africans believe that Democracy exist in Africa only if the opposition wins in the election. For example, when it came to the Ethiopian election, WHY Would Ethiopians vote for an opposition group, that is made up of 15 different groups that doesn't have even the same core ideology? An opposition group that doesn't even have a single policy about land ownership? A single policy about the current administrative ethnic regions? or a policy about Eritrea? Ethiopians are not stupid, to just choose someone because the opposition is against the government. And the western media, including BBC should stop acting like there is no Democracy, just because an opposition didn't win. BBC should ask the question, What is the opposition offering the people, aside bad mouthing the incumbent? In Ethiopia case, there isn't anything the opposition offered to entice people to vote for them.

Some countries in Africa have already embraced the democratic culture and it is working well. If we consider the way President Thabo Mbeki was ousted from power, it is very extra-ordinary that he did not use the police force and the army into his side to resist the challenge. Not only he peacefully left, but he also remained in the party to secure President Zuma election in contrast to some of his supporters who grouped in a new political organisation.

Ghana is another country where elections have been flourishing since the depart of President Rawling, which means there are some good example in this jungle of dictatorship. But it has to be agreed that overall, the free and fair election is still a slogan in most of the african countries.

The experience of Democratic Republic of Congo where both candidates refrained from campaigning in the 2006 second round presidential election just show how far elections in Africa are still a myth not reality.

It does not matter how well the opposition party work, those in power have the power to control the machinery and use it to their favour. It may take a number of popular revolutions for change to happen in Africa, especially as the african dictators club is well funded and the solidarity is unquestionable.

For any Political Election to be fair People must have Democratic rights for participation with out fear and the process must exhibit Transparency for Accountability with Integrity. These steps are not exercised in the majorty of African Nations that are poisned with Tribal and Religious interests above Nation building. Hence Election in Africa can only be fair when we Africans first eradicate the above drawbacks.

As an African, I would say election should never be the same as western. Because western media usually supports opposition party and always ignite a conflict between the two contestants. That is my observation.

regarding to recent election in Ethiopia, opposition party contains old aged leaders who are greedy to power only. 8-10 fragmented ethnic based parties unite and form coalition party just before 3-5 months before election. however, the ruling party communicates with people and prepares for election just 1-3 years before election date. A person with no biased judgment can easily know the outcome of the election. That is why Ruling party won by 99.2%.

If Opposition party worked very hard and make smooth communication with young generation. I guarantee u, opposition party have the chance to win the election, even by 99%. we have seen in 2005 election, where Opposition party won almost all big cities.

I think, everyone in Africa wants change in party but unfortunately, the ruling party usually resist to resign from power. therefore, the ruling party intimidates and use negative and scary propaganda to the voters. But if the opposition party are well organized and if they work very hard. They can win election so easily even if the ruling party cheats some votes.

yes, only in few countries. like ethiopia will never be working as long as this one state party is alive, and they will be leading the country for the coming one or more decades. the only means to remove them is by themselves, or from their own people because they know each other how to deal with it and it will be by force. soon you will see!!

Africa has a kind of respectfull and domineering culture where young ones seem to be submissive to their elders.This culture of respect affects the act of democracy.But as far as election is concerned in Nigeria,i have grown never to see free and fair election even the so called June 12 was politically credited.We all know that late president Ya'Ardua was solely appointed by Obasanjo,he was never elected by the people.That was worse than military coup.

In the past elections were some how not fair,free and peaceful in Africa. But, the situation is changing and improving these days. Specially, the peacefulness of these elections were highly improving. For instance, take the recent elections conducted in Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi.... These elections were totally peaceful,and calm in all the countries I mentioned above; and free and fair, at least in Ethiopia, where I had a closer look at. So, as me elections are really becoming useful for us. And democracy is really getting deeper roots in Africa. It will be more perfect in the future, as it didn't get perfect in Western countries of the world right from the beginning.

yes elections are really working in Africa. Take for instance in Ethiopia, we have managed to reign peace, democracy and development and avoid instability, dictatorship and poverty by giving our vote for EPRDF,a party proved to be successful in the areas of peace, democracy and development. We, the Ethiopian people, while we give the EPRDF another five years term of government power, we are also able to punish anti-peace and anti-development and undemocratic parties through our cards democratically. So, where can one get a truly functional and effective election system other than this one. This is the belief of most of Ethiopians I suppose, according to the information I collect from different sources.
I am happy to participate live on air have you say show.[Personal details removed by Moderator]

in Ethiopia ,there is no healthy opposition party with healthy political attitude,they are either provoke war,ethnic conflict,retaliation,secesionist,etc...there fore people of ethiopia is exhausted to hear about war,conflict,etc .we need peace that is which we are enjoying currently.we need the sustenance of the current situation b/c it is very important for current or future peace and development of the country which is known in his poorness.what we are looking now is development ,hope, equality.this is exactly what you get if you ask people in grass root level and people who have pure consciuosness.but those of opposition parties who have distructive ideas are not ready to accept developments and changes occured.b/c they are simply contesting to take power but they have no helpful and peaceful policies and strategy which conviences every body in the country.as a result we just punished them through our polling cards.

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At first I would really like to apoligize all colleagues for my delayed comments it was just today that I joined this home (BBC).
Well, as for me I would rather dare to say that elections in Africa will never be fair for the following reasons:
All candidates elected and after coming into power they feel like lifelong people and easily forget most of the key issues that they were mentioning in their campains.
However, they stay long accommodating their interests which its process may take about five years almost same amount of time that they must surrender the palace or recamdidate again. Now, if in the second mandate they fail and because they did not fulfil their commitments timely within five years, involuntarily they are forced to bypass the procedures or the law and start rejecting to leave and prefare to share positions with the most successful rival.
We hope that in future this mentality will change and good moments will come. It will be very difficult elections to be fair in Africa. All presidents' tendency is to stay in power as long as possible.
I believe that they will change if not then the change itself will change them. His excellence South African former President Nelson Mandela and His excellence the late President Julius Nyerere are good references as good example of the best leaders in the world who by their own initiatives they gave power to others.

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What is wrong with our election? The people voted. The people have chosen whom they want. The opposition parties had been campaigning miserably for the past few months. As I tried to mention above, they had no clear agenda whatsoever, except for the fact that they were fully against the EPRDF policies. They were people united together for the sake of being many in the election (and thought this unity will make them stronger), but have different backgrounds and there is not agreement amongst them. This is the reality, and the people of Ethiopia (living in Ethiopia) only know that. No foreign organization or the Diaspora have clear picture on what is going on in Ethiopia in general and specifically the opposition parties. Everybody can come and see the way Ethiopia is developing. There is a lot of development in the past few years achieved by EPRDF. Even BBC has said that the capital city Addis Ababa is busy of constructing roads, buildings. This is fact; we have to accept facts as they are. We have become a stable nation with almost no crime. I wonder when some people talk that there has been killing, and torture in the election campaign by the governing party. One person died in Tigray, and it was proved that it was because of personal matters, but because he was member of the opposition party, they kept crying that their member was killed by the government. This is absurd.

I wonder how we can have free and fair election in a situation where every thing is controlled by a ruling clique. How can we expect to have free and fair election where the electoral board, the security forces, the judiciary, the media both TV, Radio and printed are run by the ruling party in Ethiopia. How can we have such an election while the leader of the main opposition is in jail and leading political figures are forced to go into exile and those at home threatened with imprisonment? How can we have such a free election while forcing independent journalist into exile or threatening them with imprisonment? Of course beneficiaries of the governing party may tell us the election in Ethiopia was free as far as they can achieve whatever they need and fill their bellies. If someone genuinely believes that Ethiopia needs respect to human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, and all other themes of liberal democracy, then the argument would be to have a level playing field for all political parties and go to the polls. That is then we would know how much the Ethiopian people are fed up with one party system which is not even different from the very secretive style of leadership we see in North Korea. It is very unfortunate to have extremely power addict individuals in the 21st century. It is also very unfortunate that governments that cling to power through such a sham election would be given a recognition by the West and everything would go ahead as normal in the not too distant future. What makes the election in Ethiopia unique is that all the leading international human rights groups had made it clear that the political space was so limited that there could not be a credible election in the country; all their cries had fallen on deaf ears. The government has made it clear that it wouldn’t bow to any pressure from the international community. Because it knows that they will get back to it sooner or later. This shows how arrogantly they behave. It is only if such governments are punished for their hubris they may learn. We should know, however, that the elections in some parts of Africa were credible. The election in Ghana was exceptional. We often see fair elections in Botswana and a few other countries and these countries should be applauded while those power mongers should be condemned. Power addicts should be told that enough is enough. They should learn from ever increasing demand for change and respect those demands and go for these changes even if it means that they leave office for the sake of national interest.

No they're not and never will. It is because elections are a European/Western concept. Same as governments. Colonialism brought governments and left this system behind when they departed, for the new leaders to continue. So many African governments battle to get to grips with this concept. it's not the way forward for Africa. Africa needs African methodology not European.