The Janus Face of African Democracy

The two faces of African democracy dominating news today could not be more different. On the one side, the grim face of President Gbagbo scandalously trying to rob Mr.Quattara of his proven victory in last month’s elections in Cote d’Ivoire. On the other side, the happy face of President Kiir commenting on the peaceful and well-conducted referendum that is currently under way in Southern Sudan. Even though the final results will not be known for weeks, the referendum has already exceeded the hopes of many.

Only a month ago, doubts that it would take place on time or in an orderly fashion were wide-spread. But with the help of dedicated partners, the South Sudan Referendum Bureau, managed to complete the registration of 4 million voters, set up sufficient polling stations across the country (and selected cities around the world) and train enough polling staff in time for the voting to begin according to the schedule set out in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Halfway through the polling period, more than 60% of registered voters have already cast their vote thereby clearing an important legal hurdle. The fact that the only polling station experiencing problems happens to be in the heart of flooding in Brisbane, Australia, speaks volumes about the high level of organization on the ground in Sudan. Positive endorsements by international observers, including APP Chair Kofi Annan and former US President Jimmy Carter, have also given the process the necessary international credibility.

But ultimately, it will be the results that matter.  Most people expect separation which hosts a series of new challenges to resolve. Immediate priorities are maintaining stability, repatriating returnees, resolving border and citizenship issues, particularly in Abyei and South Kordofan, and renegotiating wealth and asset sharing agreements. In the longer term the challenges will include diversifying two oil-dependent economies, building strong institutions and political parties in a region accustomed to strong men and one party rule, and formulating and implementing purposeful national development plans.

This week’s seamless democratic exercise has certainly raised hopes (and stakes) across the world, but will this initial success pervade in the longer term? Let’s hope they will show us that the happy face of African democracy can be the norm, not the notable exception.