Ghana’s Election Marks Record Fifth Opposition Victory in Africa in 2024
Ghanaian opposition leader John Mahama defeated incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in a historic presidential election. The defeat marked the opposition’s fifth victory in Africa this year – a record-breaking trend in the continent’s democratic history, following similar victories in Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal and Somaliland. Factors driving the victory included growing public intolerance of corruption, an economic recession and a coordinated effort by the opposition. Notably, in Botswana and Mauritius, decades-long ruling parties were all but wiped out, while in Senegal the opposition is rising despite government repression. These developments suggest that despite declining democratic norms around the world, democratic resilience is emerging and unexpected in African democracies. Election observers say this year’s elections are testament to Africa’s dynamic multi-party politics, which has begun to reshape the region’s political landscape, driven by citizen activism and demands for accountability.
source: British Broadcasting Corporation
