In those African countries where democracy has been introduced, it enjoys widespread support. Yet African democracy remains fragile, beset by problems, including corruption. Above all, Africans expect democracy to provide socio- economic benefits. But disappointing progress in economic and social development suggests those expectations are not being met.
The Afrobarometer survey, coordinated by the Institute for Democracy in South Africa, the Centre for Democratic Development and Michigan State University, provides a snapshot of African perceptions of democracy and development. It analyses the results of over 21,000 interviews conducted in mid- 2001 in twelve African countries that have experienced some democratic and market reform over the past decade.
There is broad support for democracy, with more than two-thirds of respondents describing democracy as preferable to non-democratic government. The biggest problems facing African countries are identified not as political, but as economic. Significantly fewer people are satisfied with the state of their national economy (29 per cent) than with the performance of democracy (58 per cent). While the higher degree of satisfaction with democracy can be attributed to non-economic reasons, the gap is significant.
Survey respondents define the most important function of democracy as fulfilling socio-economic needs. Nine-tenths think that a democratic society should provide citizens with access to basic necessities – a higher proportion than those who insist on regular elections, a multi-party system and freedom of speech. However, 51 per cent believe the most important problems facing their country are economic (mainly unemployment, poverty and food shortages), and 42 per cent social. In addition, more people think that their living standards have worsened in the previous year than see improvements. This suggests that democracy is failing to deliver what Africans want most.
Other findings include:
- Almost three-quarters of Africans believe their own countries are democratic to some extent, but also identify problems with democracy.
- Democracy is much more about political freedom than elections: 40 per cent associate democracy with civil liberties, but only 9 per cent with electoral choice.
- Electoral participation is high at 71 percent, but political participation between elections is much lower.
- Economic reforms to expand the role of the market receive a mixed reception, and a majority reject institutional reform, including the privatisation of public services.
- About half of respondents think that corruption is common among public officials.
Africans broadly accept democracy as their preferred political system. But there is still much work to be done before stable democracies are achieved. The survey does not give specific policy recommendations, but suggests that:
- The failure of pro-market development policy to improve economies and living standards is a threat to fledgling African democracies.
- If basic services and economic security are not delivered, satisfaction with democracy may decrease.
- To avoid this, development policies must meet social and economic goals and have a positive impact on Africans’ lives.
