By Richard Hakim and Peter Agbesi Adivor
The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Africa’s democratic journey, reflecting both progress and lingering challenges. With 14 out of the 19 scheduled elections conducted, the year showcased remarkable transitions of power in countries like Botswana, Ghana, Mauritius, and Senegal, alongside contentious outcomes in others including Tunisia and Mozambique.
Amid these political dynamics, technology emerged as a
transformative force, reshaping voter engagement, enhancing transparency, and
amplifying civic participation. From social media campaigns to biometric voter
registration and verification, digital tools played a crucial role in empowering electorates and
strengthening democratic processes. However, the integration of technology also
exposed vulnerabilities, including the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation,
as well as the exclusion of marginalized groups due to the digital divide.
2024 Elections Landscape
Botswana experienced a historic political shift as Duma
Boko ended nearly 60 years of the Botswana Democratic Party’s rule while Ghana
witnessed a return of John Dramani Mahama, signaling voter discontent with
economic instability under the ruling party. Senegal's transition demonstrated
the resilience of democratic norms in the face of delays and tensions while in Mauritius,
the opposition secured a sweeping victory.
Tunisia, Comoros and Mozambique showcased the fragility of
democratic processes, with contested elections undermining public trust. In
Tunisia, low
voter turnout and restricted political participation underpinned President
Kais Saied's re-election amidst accusations of an undemocratic environment.
Comoros witnessed the highest case of voter apathy with only 16% of voters
taking part in the polls. The post-election
environment was violent and the internet was reportedly shut
down. Mozambique's ruling FRELIMO party faced accusations of election
fraud, leading to violent protests with dozens
of casualties reported.
Despite the challenging situations in some of the countries,
peaceful transfers of power in Botswana, Ghana, and Senegal were celebrated as
triumphs for democracy, reinforcing the potential for peaceful political
transitions. These examples offered inspiration for other nations grappling
with entrenched leadership and governance challenges.
Conversely, postponed elections in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau underscored the complexities of organizing elections amidst political instability. These delays highlighted the importance of addressing underlying causes of conflict and ensuring inclusive governance frameworks to prevent further disruptions.
The Role of Technology in Elections
The African elections of 2024 demonstrated the
transformative role of technology in shaping political processes, voter
engagement, and governance across the continent. Digital tools and artificial
intelligence (AI) were integral in mobilizing voters, monitoring electoral
integrity, and amplifying civic participation. In Ghana, Penplusbytes deployed
a voter engagement platform called the Voters’ Compass, aimed
at equipping voters, particularly first-time voters to make informed choices at
the polls. The Tinder-styled app allowed voters to answer a set of questions
and get matched to a candidate based on their policy preferences.
Social media emerged as a powerful tool for political campaigns, voter education, and real-time communication. Candidates and parties used platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to connect directly with electorates, offering unprecedented access to political discourse. This trend was particularly evident in Senegal, Mozambique, South Africa and Ghana, where both leading candidates leveraged digital media to address campaign issues and connect with young voters.
In Ghana, Penplusbytes deployed a voter engagement platform called the Voters’ Compass, aimed at equipping voters, particularly first-time voters to make informed choices at the polls. The Tinder-styled app allowed voters to answer a set of questions and get matched to a candidate based on their policy preferences.
Technology also played a pivotal role in election monitoring and transparency. Mobile applications and crowd-sourced reporting tools empowered citizens to report irregularities, enhancing accountability in countries like Botswana. These tools allowed for the rapid dissemination of information, fostering confidence in the electoral process and deterring potential malpractices. International scrutiny of African elections was enhanced as organizations like the African Union and independent observers used digital tools to monitor elections remotely, ensuring compliance with international standards. In contentious cases, such as Mozambique's disputed elections, digital evidence played a critical role in documenting and addressing allegations of fraud.
Digital innovations in voter registration systems were
another significant advancement. Biometric voter identification systems was
employed in several countries, including Namibia, Ghana
and Mauritius, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring accurate voter rolls.
These systems not only streamlined the electoral process but also enhanced the
credibility of outcomes by minimizing disputes over voter rolls. The Electoral
Commission of Ghana also leveraged SMS and USSD technology allowing Ghanaian
voters to check their voter
details with a short code without having to visit polling centers.
The youth, often dubbed the "digital generation,"
harnessed technology to redefine their role in governance. Across Africa, young
people utilized social media to organize protests, share critical information,
and advocate for political change. This was particularly evident in Tunisia and
Mozambique, where digital platforms became battlegrounds for challenging the
legitimacy of election outcomes, voicing discontent with governance and
mobilizing protests. Similar instances were recorded in Ghana where pressure
groups used social media to organize a protest
against illegal mining, a major issue during the 2024 election campaign in
Ghana.
Technology also revolutionized campaign financing in several
countries. In Senegal for instance, PASTEF mobilized campaign funding by
leveraging social media to organize fundraisers. Several other political
parties and candidates across the continent utilized social media and campaign
platforms with integrated “donate” buttons to raise funds for their campaigns.
Ghana went further with politicians deploying USSD
and mobile technology to simplify contributions while some leveraged crowdfunding
platforms.
Generative AI and artificial intelligence were widely adopted with, various interventions deployed to improve electoral outcomes across the continent. In Ghana, the AI-powered Disinformation Detection Platform (DDP) was launched to track and expose election-related disinformation and misinformation on social media in real-time. Ghana’s ruling party launched a Generative-AI tool for its candidate to disseminate the party’s policies. In South Africa, “Thoko the bot”, an AI bot was launched to answer questions and engage with voters on information related to the South African general elections. The bot provided information on the importance of voting, where to vote, voter eligibility and registration.
In Ghana, the AI-powered Disinformation Detection Platform (DDP) was launched to track and expose election-related disinformation and misinformation on social media in real-time.
Despite its successes, the role of technology was not
without challenges. While digital tools facilitated political engagement, they
also highlighted the risk associated with misinformation and propaganda emerged
as a critical issue. In Tunisia, for instance, the manipulation of digital
platforms and censorship of opposition voices underscored the darker side of
digital influence. Similarly, internet blackouts during election periods, as
seen in Senegal
and Comoros, underscored the vulnerability of digital freedoms in fragile
democracies.
Africa's 2024 elections underscored the increasing role of
technology in modern democracy. While challenges persisted, the integration of
digital tools into electoral processes reflected the continent's readiness to
embrace innovation as a catalyst for political transformation.
Other Key Themes and Lessons
The role of women in politics gained attention with
Namibia's historic leadership change. Ghana also elected its first female vice
president. While more progress is needed in other countries, the case of Namibia
and Ghana shows progress and underscores the need for more women in political
leadership.
Africa’s 2024 elections also revealed the delicate balance
between political stability and change. While opposition victories reflected a
desire for reform, they also pose good governance challenges for new
governments tasked with addressing entrenched socioeconomic issues.
The shrinking civic space in many countries posed a threat
to democratic vibrancy. Restrictions on media and civil society organizations (CSOs),
freedom of assembly, and political participation limited citizens' ability to
influence governance and hold leaders accountable.
The rise of coalition governments, as seen in South Africa, reflected shifting political dynamics and the importance of consensus-building in fragmented political landscapes.
The role of women in politics gained attention with Namibia's historic leadership change. Ghana also elected its first female vice president. While more progress is needed in other countries, the case of Namibia and Ghana shows progress and underscores the need for more women in political leadership.
The 2024
Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) highlighted declining trends in
democratic indicators over the past decade. Metrics on participation, rights,
and accountability deteriorated in most countries which held elections in 2024,
raising concerns about the long-term health of governance systems.
Economic factors played a critical role in shaping voter
behavior. Rising inflation, unemployment, and perceptions of corruption fueled
discontent, particularly in Ghana and Botswana. These economic grievances often
translated into demands for leadership changes, demonstrating the intersection
of governance and economic stability in shaping electoral outcomes.
Conclusion
Youth activism and innovation emerged as significant forces in African elections. Across the continent, young people utilized digital platforms and grassroots movements to influence governance and assert political agency beyond traditional structures. This trend underscored the potential of Africa's youth to redefine democratic engagement.
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