The importance of regional and continental agencies in overseeing and assessing elections has increased as African nations work to improve their democratic governance. There have been several instances in recent years of organizations and leaders taking action to ensure free and fair elections.
The presence of Thabo Mbeki in Nigeria to observe the elections and the rejection of Jacob Zuma by continental leaders as being useless are two examples. The African Union has chosen former South African President and well-known pan-Africanist Thabo Mbeki to head a high-level mission to observe the upcoming general elections in Nigeria. Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is at stake in the polls, and the results might have significant repercussions for the whole continent.
Mbeki’s presence is an indication of the importance of credible elections to the stability and progress of African nations.
Mbeki’s role in Nigeria is not new. In 2015, he led the African Union observer mission during the country’s presidential elections, where Muhammadu Buhari defeated the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan. The mission’s report was instrumental in validating the election’s credibility and paving the way for a peaceful transfer of power.On the other hand, Jacob Zuma, the former South African President, has faced rejection from African leaders in recent times. Zuma, who resigned as South Africa’s president in 2018 after a scandal-ridden tenure, has seen his standing among African leaders diminish in recent years.
In 2019, he was booed at the memorial service for former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and in 2020, he was denied a speaking role at the African National Congress’s centenary celebrations.Many African leaders perceive Zuma as useless and believe that his presence could taint their reputations. This perception is likely fueled by Zuma’s controversial tenure as South Africa’s president, which was marked by corruption scandals, economic mismanagement, and political turmoil. However, some of Zuma’s supporters argue that his rejection by other African leaders is a result of political machinations.
In conclusion, the presence of Thabo Mbeki in Nigeria to monitor their elections and the rejection of Jacob Zuma by continental leaders are two contrasting events that highlight the importance of credible elections and accountable leadership in African countries. Mbeki’s role in Nigeria demonstrates the commitment of the African Union to ensuring democratic governance on the continent, while Zuma’s rejection shows that accountability and good governance are essential components of effective leadership. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon African leaders to lead by example, and for regional and continental organizations to support them in this endeavor.
