Ghana Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has conceded defeat in the country’s presidential election, marking a historic moment for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) as its leader, former President John Mahama, returns to power. This defeat ends the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) nearly eight-year rule, with early results suggesting the party suffered one of its most significant losses since its formation.
The election serves as a referendum on the NPP’s management of Ghana’s economy. Rising living costs, fuelled by high inflation, and a crippling debt crisis left many voters disillusioned. Additionally, high-profile corruption scandals undermined public trust, turning what could have been a closely contested race into a resounding rejection of the ruling party. For the first time since 1996, the NPP’s vote share dropped below 45%, a sharp indictment of its performance.
A year of political shifts in Africa
Ghana’s election adds to a remarkable wave of political change sweeping across Africa in 2024. This year has seen five opposition victories in Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal, Somaliland, and Ghana. Each of these elections underscores a growing trend of voters rejecting entrenched ruling parties and demanding accountability.
These changes reflect broader regional shifts, driven by shared concerns such as economic downturns, corruption, and the erosion of political freedoms. Even in countries where ruling parties retained power, their grip weakened significantly, revealing an electorate increasingly willing to challenge the status quo.
Landslide defeats shatter long-standing dynasties
Botswana, once a bastion of political stability under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), witnessed its most dramatic political shake-up in over 50 years. The BDP, which had ruled since independence in 1966, was decimated in October’s elections, reduced to just four parliamentary seats from its previous 38. The opposition, united under the Umbrella for Democratic Change, orchestrated a stunning landslide victory, leaving the BDP struggling to remain politically relevant.
Similarly, in Mauritius, the ruling Alliance Lepep coalition suffered a crushing defeat. Led by Pravind Jugnauth of the Militant Socialist Movement, the party secured a mere 27% of the vote, while the opposition Alliance du Changement swept 60 out of 66 parliamentary seats. This election marked one of the most complete political transformations in the island nation’s history.
Senegal’s election mirrored these seismic shifts. Opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was released from prison only weeks before the vote, won the presidency in the first round. The incumbent government, plagued by accusations of authoritarian tactics, saw its candidate manage only 36% of the vote. Senegal’s peaceful transition of power stands as a testament to the strength of its democratic institutions.
Frustration mounts across the continent
Even in countries where ruling parties held on to power, they emerged bruised and battered. South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), which has governed since the end of apartheid in 1994, suffered its worst electoral performance yet, falling below 50% of the vote. Forced into a coalition government, President Cyril Ramaphosa ceded key cabinet positions to opposition parties, weakening the ANC’s traditional dominance.
Namibia’s ruling party, SWAPO, also faced significant challenges. Although it retained power, the elections were marred by logistical failures and allegations of manipulation. SWAPO recorded its worst parliamentary performance ever, losing 12 seats and barely holding on to a majority.
This wave of political discontent extends beyond elections. In Kenya, youth-led protests against high taxes and rising living costs rocked President William Ruto’s government in July and August. Similar demonstrations have erupted across Africa, signalling that citizens are growing less tolerant of economic hardship and poor governance.
Economic turmoil fuels political upheaval
Africa’s political shake-ups are deeply rooted in economic frustrations. Across the continent, rising costs of living, high fuel prices, and food insecurity have left millions struggling to make ends meet. These hardships, compounded by government corruption and inefficiency, have created fertile ground for opposition movements to mobilise voters.
This trend is not unique to Africa. Globally, economic discontent has driven political change, from the defeat of the Conservative Party in the UK to the Republican Party’s resurgence in the United States. However, Africa’s political dynamics stand out for the scale and speed of its transformations.
The role of civil society and united oppositions
A key factor behind the opposition victories has been their ability to learn from past defeats. In many cases, opposition parties have formed strategic coalitions to present a unified front. In Botswana, for example, multiple opposition groups came together under the Umbrella for Democratic Change, out-mobilising the once-dominant BDP.
Civil society organisations have also played a crucial role, monitoring electoral processes and mobilising grassroots support. In Mauritius, opposition activists implemented robust systems to guard against vote tampering, ensuring a transparent process.
The road ahead: challenges and opportunities
As Ghana’s election brings 2024 to a close, the question remains: will this wave of political change continue? Countries like Malawi, heading to the polls in 2025, may see similar dynamics, with leaders under pressure to deliver economic recovery or face voter backlash.
This year’s elections highlight Africa’s democratic resilience. Despite challenges such as authoritarianism and electoral manipulation, the continent has demonstrated its capacity for political renewal. International observers often overlook Africa’s democratic vibrancy, but the region’s citizens, opposition parties, and civil society groups are actively shaping its future.
The message from African voters is clear: governments that fail to deliver economic stability and uphold democratic values will face the consequences. As global democracy faces mounting challenges, Africa’s example offers hope that accountability and change are still possible.
Africa’s political landscape in 2024 has been a story of upheaval, transformation, and resilience. It serves as a reminder to the world that when citizens demand better governance, change is not only possible but inevitable.
