Satisfaction with democracy may decline in Africa

Significance

Although support for democracy remains strong overall, it has fallen considerably in the past decade, with much of the decline due to the failure of elected governments to deliver clear economic benefits to their populations. Nevertheless, support for democracy remains higher than in Asia and Latin America.

Impacts

• Declining satisfaction with democracy in some of Africa’s most democratic states may suggest serious challenges ahead.
• Repeated electoral manipulation and rising corruption will drive further political instability.
• Countries with higher support for democracy may be less at risk of military coups.