Mozambique is currently facing turmoil following a disputed election that resulted in violence and clashes. This is not an isolated incident, as elections across Africa have often been marred by controversy and unrest, leading to devastating consequences.
From Ethiopia to Kenya to Ivory Coast, many countries have experienced post-election violence, with thousands of lives lost and economies crippled. The lack of a peaceful transition of power has eroded trust in democracy and African leaders.
In search of a solution, some are looking to models like Lebanon’s confessional system or Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tripartite presidency for inspiration. These systems aim to distribute power based on religious or ethnic affiliations to prevent winner-takes-all politics.
The idea of supranational organizations like the EU taking over certain governmental functions could also reduce the stakes of elections and mitigate the violence that often accompanies power struggles.
As Africa grapples with the crisis of democracy, there are potential solutions worth exploring. Will regional organizations like the East African Community rise to the occasion, or will the continent continue to face challenges in achieving peaceful transitions of power?
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