Future Reports

 The 2024 Ghanaian presidential election has culminated in a historic victory for former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This triumph, with Mahama securing 56.39% of the vote against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), signifies not just a leadership change but a broader message from the electorate. The election was shaped by economic turmoil, environmental concerns, and voter disillusionment, reflecting critical shifts in Ghana's political and societal dynamics. Economic Realities as Election Drivers Ghana’s economic crisis played a central role in determining the election’s outcome. The country grappled with soaring inflation, which reached 54% in 2022, and a subsequent $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to stabilize its finances. These challenges exacerbated unemployment, pushed nearly 850,000 Ghanaians into poverty, and strained public confidence in the NPP government under President Nana A...

Namibia has entered a new chapter in its democratic history with the election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president. Garnering 57% of the vote, her victory under the ruling South-West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) is not only a significant milestone for gender representation but also a bittersweet reflection of the country’s political, economic, and social challenges. As Namibia celebrates this historic achievement, the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles that demand careful navigation. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey to the presidency reflects her resilience and dedication. A veteran of Namibia’s independence struggle, she endured imprisonment during her youth and contributed significantly to the country’s liberation movement in exile. Over the years, she has held multiple high-ranking positions, including foreign minister and vice president, solidifying her reputation as a seasoned leader. Her election as Namibia’s first female president represents a broad...

The state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to France marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-France relations, as it is the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in over two decades. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the visit highlighted a strategic effort to deepen bilateral ties and foster economic cooperation amidst shifting dynamics in Africa. This meeting was not only symbolic of renewed diplomacy but also served to address practical issues such as trade, investment, and security, positioning both nations to strengthen their economic and geopolitical influence. France’s recent pivot towards Anglophone Africa reflects its efforts to rebuild influence on the continent following strained relations with Francophone countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These nations have increasingly leaned towards alliances with Russia, reducing France’s traditional clout. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and a key player in Anglophone West Africa, represents ...

O n December 7, 2024, Ghana will conduct its presidential and parliamentary elections, a critical event in the country’s democratic journey. This election holds substantial importance for assessing Ghana's political stability, governance trends, and economic trajectory. As a leading democratic example in sub-Saharan Africa, the election reflects a maturing democracy, albeit with emerging complexities such as voter dynamics, socio-economic challenges, and increased political competition. Democratic Significance of the Election The upcoming election marks Ghana’s fifth presidential transition since its return to multiparty democracy in 1992. Ghana is lauded for its peaceful power transfers, even between rival parties like the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Such transitions reinforce the nation's democratic norms and set an example for the broader region​. A growing share of swing voters underscores the evolution of Ghana’s electorate. ...

Mozambique is experiencing significant civil unrest following a contested presidential election held on October 9, 2024. The ruling party, the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), declared victory, with candidate Daniel Chapo securing the presidency. However, opposition parties and portions of the electorate allege widespread electoral irregularities, sparking mass protests across the country. The unrest reflects broader frustrations with governance, economic disparity, and the concentration of political power. The election results awarded FRELIMO a substantial majority in parliament, marking its continued dominance since Mozambique’s independence in 1975. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane and his party, Podemos, contest these results, citing their own vote counts, which show a significant lead for Mondlane. Independent and international observers, including the European Union, reported procedural irregularities such as alleged ballot stuffing and voter list tampering. M...

  In a landmark election result, Botswana’s ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) suffered a surprising defeat to the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), ending a nearly six-decade hold on power. Since Botswana’s independence in 1966, the BDP has dominated the political landscape, leading the nation through phases of rapid economic development and stability. However, this year’s election result signals that the winds of change are sweeping through the diamond-rich southern African country. Voters have expressed their desire for a new direction, prioritising economic reform and job creation amid rising economic challenges. The BDP’s popularity has waned in recent years, largely due to economic stagnation, high unemployment rates, and perceived inability to address the concerns of younger generations. Despite the BDP’s long-standing status as a political mainstay, its failure to adapt to shifting economic conditions created discontent. Botswana’s heavy reliance on diamo...