Challenges to African incumbents will grow
Monday, December 20, 2021
Significance
The continent’s trajectory is not a uniformly bleak one, however, as it also features the only two countries to move towards democracy during the COVID-19 pandemic: Malawi and Zambia. Furthermore, large majorities of people in many countries surveyed by Afrobarometer prefer democracy over other forms of government.
Impacts
- Countries that are more democratic will, on average, experience more inclusive economic recoveries.
- Economic hardships generated in part by COVID-19 will make it harder for incumbents in Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe to retain power.
- Authoritarian governments will continue to see high levels of political and civic protest.
- Authoritarian countries such as Angola and Zimbabwe will resort to more state repression to maintain the status quo.