True democracy in Africa to some pessimists may appear oxymoronic in its construct. This is because African history has created a perceived reality that it is not natural for an opposition party to win an election. What is palpable without stress is the elongation of tenures and preservation of ruling parties through shady constitutional amendments.

In the past, Africa has witnessed situations whereby, some African leaders have refused to quit when it was obvious that, they no longer had anything to offer or the people no longer regarded their legitimacy. Yet these leaders continued to sit tight until they died in office or until a compelling force (like it happened in Zimbabwe, Tunisia, and Libya) came and swept them away.

Because of this notorious political culture and undemocratic class preservation (even when the political elite package it as African democracy), the world usually marvels and rejoices whenever an opposition candidate defeats an incumbent in a presidential election.

Between the 1960s when most African countries gained independence and 2016, only a few countries like Somalia in 1967 & 2012, Zambia in 1991 & 2011, Benin Republic in 1991 & 1996, Republic of Congo in 1992, Malawi in 1994 & 2014, Senegal in 2000 & 2012, Mauritius in 2000, Cote d’Ivoire in 2000 & 2010, Nigeria in 2015, Gambia in 2016 and Ghana in 2016 have witnessed a democratic situation where an opposition defeated an incumbent president.

In other African countries, especially in West and East Africa, the ruling parties have schemed various ways to keep themselves in power even when elections (more aptly termed “selections”) are conducted.

However, the narrative may gradually be changing since the second decade of this century is increasingly witnessing the rise of opposition candidates who have unseated incumbent leaders.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of Thursday, Felix Tshisekedi an opposition candidate, representing the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, was declared the winner of the presidential election in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His historic victory marked the first time that an opposition candidate would defeat the ruling party since DRC’s independence in 1960.

Based on this new development in DRC and what was experienced in Ghana, Gambia, and Nigeria in their last respective elections, it will not be inappropriate to say that democracy in Africa is gradually evolving from a primitive selection to a transitional election.

This is great news for the continent. Democracy, thrives on change. It allows accountability and the DRC needed this change. Wish #FelixTshisekedi success. https://t.co/NO6N0vfWVO — Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) January 10, 2019

Whereas in the past, elections in Africa were merely a rite of passage to consolidate the continuation of the ruling parties or to solidify the rule for life syndrome that was common with many African leaders, including those military heads of states who later embraced “democracy.”

Conspicuously, the situation has improved to some extent in the last 9 years. At least, opposition candidates are now defeating the incumbent leaders cum ruling parties. Again, the incumbent leaders now concede defeat even though it is reluctantly done.

Undoubtedly, the scope of democracy is wider than just conducting smooth elections. However, if the very foundation of democracy, which is, a free and fair election, be destroyed, there is no way the entire scope can be covered.

Take it or leave it, the evolution of democracy begins with the attitude or culture of a loser conceding to a victor, encouraging the willingness of parties to abide by the outcomes of results, and it gives me an optimistic feeling to witness this in some African countries.

Without mincing words, democracy in Africa is moving from that primitive stage where one strongman or ruling party recycles itself through an election. And probably 10 years from now, another landmark of democracy will be achieved and the victory of an opposition candidate will no longer be a big deal.

Kudos Africa!!

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