A peaceful transition of power in Africa’s oldest republic is cause for optimism, according to analysts, but major challenges lie ahead for Liberia’s president-elect George Weah. A former international football star, Weah tapped into a yearning for change and widespread discontent to win this week’s presidential run-off in a landslide. Boosting the economy will be […]
Africa articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for democracy on the ancient continent of Africa where fifty-four nations represent one of the great frontiers for democracy. Also see our World Democracy section! (FYI, Egypt is found in the Middle East section.)
Liberia’s George Weah Prepares to Form New Government
The soccer legend, now a politician, George Manneh Weah, is very hopeful that he would be declared winner of the December 26 Presidential Runoff. He’s already putting up a team “to go to the drawing board,” he said. Weah lost one Presidential election to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2005. In 2011, going as a […]
From stardom to politics: some international precedents
Former international football star George Weah, who has won Liberia’s presidential run-off, follows several celebrities who have achieved the top job in their countries. However, only one sportsman — Hungary’s double Olympic fencing champion Pal Schmitt — has previously become president. Here are some precedents: – US: Reagan and Trump – B movie actor Ronald […]
Liberia to vote in delayed run-off for new president
Liberians choose a new leader Tuesday in a run-off between Vice President Joseph Boakai and footballing icon George Weah, a vote that will mark the country’s first democratic transition since 1944. After seven weeks of delays caused by legal complaints lodged by Boakai’s ruling Unity Party against the country’s electoral commission, polling stations are due […]
Ugandan MPs vote to scrap presidential age limit
Ugandan lawmakers voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to remove presidential age limits, paving the way for President Yoweri Museveni to serve a sixth term in office. The highly controversial bill passed with 315 votes for, 62 against and two abstentions, after three days of chaotic debates in which some opposition MPs were suspended, while others walked out. […]
Parliamentary Debate on Uganda Presidential Term Limit Turns Raucous
From repubhub Debate on age limits and term length for the president of Uganda came to a sudden halt Tuesday when a lawmaker reported seeing soldiers on the premises. The allegation led to a scuffle between legislators and parliamentary police. The legislature was already on edge because of the proposals being discussed. Parliament is debating […]
Day of Protest as DR Congo Opposition Seeks to Unseat Kabila
Tuesday the opposition vowed to pursue its campaign to unseat President Joseph Kabila over long-delayed polls
Using Sign Language to Help Disabled Nigerians Vote
The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) says it will introduce sign languages and communication techniques to aid the full participation of People-Living-with-Disabilities (PLWDs) in the 2019 general elections.Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Partnership and Outreach Committee of the commission, stated this in Lokoja on Friday at a workshop on capacity-building. The […]
Why Sudanese newspapers go online for freedom from censors
Seated in his Khartoum office overlooking the Blue Nile, Sudanese journalist Adil al-Baz no longer fears a crackdown by security agents over his articles since he launched an online newspaper. “We are free to publish what we want on our online newspaper,” Baz, a former print newspaper editor, told AFP at the office of Al-Ahdath, […]
Burundi president Nkurunziza launches campaign to extend rule
Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has launched a campaign to promote a referendum to change the constitution, a move that could see him rule until 2034. “It’s the day you’ve been waiting for,” Nkurunziza told a crowd of thousands of farmers in the central district of Gitega on Tuesday. The government adopted a plan in October […]