Flawed Elections Are Obstacles To Democracy – Peter Obi

The former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said flawed elections and violations of term limits are obstacles to democracy in Africa.

Peter Obi said Africa’s electorate disillusionment stems from a failure of leadership, which results from unfulfilled expectations of democratic governance.

He stated this on Friday, as one of the panelists at Yale University in the United States. Obi also blamed internal divisions, religious differences, and weakened institutions as other issues that affected Africa’s democratic journey.

Speaking on ‘Democracy in Africa, ‘ Obi said, “Africa’s electorate disillusionment stems from a failure of leadership, largely due to the unfulfilled expectations of democratic governance.”

He emphasized that “flawed elections, violations of term limits, and unresolved conflicts are significant obstacles to democratic progress. Internal divisions, including ethnic and religious differences, weaken institutions and widen the trust gap between the public and political leadership“.

However, the former governor of Anambra State acknowledged the role of new political movements in the continent in addressing exclusion and promoting inclusive politics, which gave rise to the multi-party system.

“Africa’s transition from single-party to multi-party systems demonstrates that building democracy is challenging but achievable. Genuine reform demands political will and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law,” he stated.

Despite the challenges, he expressed hope for Africa’s democratic future, urging the people, especially the youth, to commit to change, advocate for stronger governance, and demand electoral integrity.