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Election Violence in Africa: Why Does It Persist?

Persistent violence disrupts elections across Africa, challenging democratic progress.

by Adenike Adeodun

KEY POINTS


  • Weak institutions allow election results to be easily contested.
  • Ethnic divisions fuel clashes during elections.
  • Political corruption leads to violence to suppress opposition.

Weak Institutions Fuel Election Violence

In this violence, 50 unarmed Kikuyu women and children were murdered in cold blood, some of the children were as young as a month old. They were locked in a church and burned alive. Kibaki was a member of the Kikuyu community. This shows how innocent citizens suffer due to the greed of political figures.

Ethnic Divisions Exacerbate Election Clashes

The Igbos were the main target in the election violence that broke out in Lagos State because they were seen as the major supporters of Peter Obi. The Yoruba thugs based the violence on the fact that Lagos belongs to them, so the Igbos cannot win in their state.

These thugs in partnership with political parties, attacked polling units, destroyed ballot boxes, and physically abused voters. Several videos were shared on social media showing how people were beaten, injured and killed all because they wanted to exercise their civic rights.

Political Corruption and Incumbency Violence

Electoral violence is aggravated by political corruption and greed.

The Way Forward

The leaders and political figures also need to be reminded that Africa operates a democratic system because it seems they have forgotten. African leadership needs to renew their minds and take on new mindsets so that people can know peace and security again and also have the liberty to vote for whoever they want.

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