Ironically, one reason violence has spiked is the significant new constitutional requirement for the winning presidential contender to win by an absolute, not just a simple, majority. The stakes are higher
Zambia President Warns of ‘Draconian Measures’ Over Poll Violence: Why That Matters
Lungu’s marginal victory last year means he didn’t come to power with the legitimacy of previous leaders. He is considered a “lightweight” by the standards of the past.
Record 17 Presidential Elections In Africa In 2011, 78% Of Them Disputed: Are Free Polls UnAfrican?
People like the admirable Tanzanian president Julius Nyerere were right to claim that old Africa had a democratic system of appointing leaders. However, what they didn’t have was a democratic system of removing them.
Zambia’s President Sata: A Populist ‘Clown’ With Interesting Off-the-Wall Ideas
Many African leaders have started out like Sata, but disappointed. Will he hold the course? It is too early to say, but some of the things he has done, which have not made headlines, give faint reason for hope.