Africa and the Middle East

In Africa, democratic aspirations remain high and institutions remain resilient amidst challenges.

In most African countries, regular elections remain the norm for transfer of power. Amidst the pandemic, election management bodies (EMBs) adapted to the rising health and safety challenges, showing resiliency and flexibility. Moreover, EMBs ensured that most national and/or subnational scheduled elections remained on course.

Authoritarianism continues to define MENA.

The Middle East and North Africa remains the least democratic region in the world. It is the region with the largest share of authoritarian regimes, seven of which are the most enduring such regimes in the world, countries that have never experienced a change in regime type. In spite of this context, countries have transitioned to democracy and have done so without experiencing hybridity as part of the transition. Of the five countries that have become a democracy at some point (Lebanon in 2000, Iraq in 2005, Libya in 2012, Sudan in 1986, and Tunisia in 2011), three have maintained their status as democracies (Iraq, Lebanon, and Tunisia).

The unchecked powers of incumbents to extend their stay in power are a reflection of and have contributed to democratic decline.

Africa’s youth and civil society are key drivers for further democratic development.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has led to shrinking civic space, Africa’s youthful population and vibrant civil society represent key potential for further democratic development. This can be seen in the increased citizen mobilizations over the past years in Algeria, Mali, Nigeria, Tunisia and Sudan.

Policy Recommendations Africa and the Middle East

Region: Africa and the Middle East

Type: Prevent

There should be greater coordination between all the different mediation and peacekeeping initiatives run by the UN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the EU and the USA—through the Good Offices of Special Envoys and high-level representatives—in addressing the ongoing security challenges, mediation and post-conflict management, especially in fragile countries and countries in transition, such as Sudan and Yemen.

Region: Africa and the Middle East

Attribute: Representative Government

Type: Prevent

Action must be taken that will improve public trust in the integrity of electoral processes and greater participation in elections. Among other things, EMBs should adopt more transparent and effective rules on campaign finance, and should also develop more effective enforcement mechanisms of those rules, as well as robust civic and voter education.

Region: Africa and the Middle East

Attribute: Representative Government

Type: Rebuild

Political parties, in collaboration with national parliaments, should advocate for review, reform and/or implementation of legislative provisions of electoral laws (where applicable) to ensure that structures, including political party campaign funds, are easily accessible to women political leaders. Reforms that promote more effective participation of women in political competition will greatly boost improved leadership governance at different levels.

See all recommendations

In Africa, democratic aspirations remain high and institutions remain resilient amidst challenges.

Authoritarianism continues to define MENA.

The unchecked powers of incumbents to extend their stay in power are a reflection of and have contributed to democratic decline.

Africa’s youth and civil society are key drivers for further democratic development.

Africa and the Middle East report

The 2021 State of Democracy in Africa in 90 Seconds: Resilient Democratic Aspirations and Opportunities for Consolidation

International IDEA Secretary-General’s call to renew democracy

The 2021 State of Democracy in the Middle East and North Africa in 90 Seconds: Resilient Democratic Aspirations and Opportunities for Consolidation

Policy Recommendations Africa and the Middle East

International IDEA