Aspirations and realities in Africa: II. democratic delivery falls short

Abstract

A growing number of media and scholarly analysts report a loss of faith in democracy and its institutions, processes, and broad outcomes among citizens in many regions of the world. Findings from waves of Afrobarometer surveys since 1999 and recent developments in the domestic politics of many African countries indicate that the continent and its citizens are generally bucking this negative trend, at least in terms of popular aspirations. Democracy advocates and policy actors must identify ways to sustain and deepen African attachment to democratic values while encouraging intransigent leaders to address gaps in democratic supply.