ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION IN AFRICA: A CURSORY LOOK AT THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES AND THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Across Africa, democratic transitions in recent times are not without violence. In most African countries, smooth democratic transition is almost impossibility. African democratic states often face the challenge of public violent protests before, during and most particularly after elections. In most cases, these protests are against alleged electoral irregularities observed during the elections. Unfortunately, these actions are not without causes and consequences. This paper presented an overview of violent electoral protests across some African democratic countries. It went further not only to appraise the causes of electoral violence but also evaluates the consequent effects of these violent actions on democratic transitions of these African states. It concludes with advancing some suggested premise on the way forward.