According to a recent Afrobarometer survey, support for democracy in South Africa and Mali has significantly decreased this year in comparison to 39 other African countries.
The report indicated that, on average, trust in democracy has declined by seven percentage points over the past decade. However, the decline was much steeper in South Africa and Mali, with drops of 29 and 23 points, respectively.
Ten years ago, 72% of South Africans and 62% of Malians believed that democracy was the most preferable form of government.
Currently, less than half of the population in Mali, South Africa, Angola (47%), Mozambique (49%), and Lesotho (49%) prefer democracy.
The report mentioned that despite many countries, particularly South Africa, remaining democratic and free, the decline in public support for the system could lead to potential issues in the future if not addressed.
South Africa held general elections on May 29. For the first time since gaining independence in 1994, the ANC did not secure a majority to form a government.
The party had to enter into a multiparty coalition following an election with a voter turnout of 58.57%, a decrease from the 86.87% turnout in 1994.
Mali was supposed to hold presidential elections in February, but they were postponed indefinitely. The same happened in Burkina Faso, where elections were scheduled for this month.
In the past five years, the resurgence of coups in West Africa led to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger forming the Sahel Alliance of military rulers.
Within the Sahel Alliance, opposition to military rule has decreased by 11 points, according to the report.
Only 37% of Africans think democracy is effective in their countries, but 66% oppose military governments.
However, over half of Africans (53% across 39 countries) are open to a military takeover if elected leaders misuse their power.
The report also noted that 80% of Africans oppose “one-man rule” and 78% are against one-party rule, showing a strong preference for pluralism, such as coalition governance and multiparty democracy.
Botswana and Mauritius have elections scheduled for October and November this year. Along with South Africa, they are considered “high-profile” democracies, but satisfaction with democracy has also declined among citizens in both countries as they approach the polls.
The report argued that socioeconomic issues and political tolerance significantly influenced perceptions of democracy.
It stated that “deepening citizen dissatisfaction with democracy’s performance is strongly tied to perceived declines in both socioeconomic and political performance.
“However, support for democracy as a system of government remains more resilient despite economic and social challenges.
“Declines in support for democracy are most closely linked to negative changes in political performance, such as deteriorating election quality, rising corruption levels, and failure to uphold the rule of law,” the report said.
