2024 Elections Reflect Democracy Across Africa

In 2024, over a dozen African nations held elections, revealing a mixed landscape of political outcomes. While some long-dominant ruling parties, including Mozambique's Frelimo and Namibia's SWAPO, retained power, others faced significant defeats, such as Botswana, which elected an opposition leader for the first time in nearly 60 years. In Comoros, President Azali Assoumani was reelected amid violent protests rejecting the election results. South Africa's African National Congress lost its outright majority, leading to a coalition government, while Ghana and Senegal saw political comebacks and historic elections, respectively. Postponements occurred in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to military rule. These events highlight both the resilience and challenges of democracy across the continent.