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[h=1]East Africa is continents most democratic place[/h]
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Supporters of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi in Dar es Salaam. A new report shows that Tanzanians are the most satisfied with the way their democracy works. Photo/FILE
By TREVOR ANALO The EastAfrican
Posted Friday, May 2 2014 at 13:54
In Summary
East Africa has been ranked as the most democratic region on the continent, hinting at lower pressure in the near future for further regime change as it is the case in North Africa, the worst performer.
According to the latest Afrobarometer 34 survey, more East Africans are generally satisfied with their countries democratic credentials even as they demand for a freer and open society.
Preference for a more democratic government is highest in Tanzania (84 per cent), then Uganda (79 per cent) Burundi (74 per cent) and Kenya (74 per cent).
But even as East Africans express their popular support for democracy, the realities on the ground paint a very grim picture. The 2014 Freedom in the World report by Freedom House, a US-based watchdog, notes a downward trend in civil and political liberties across the region.
READ: Harsh laws threaten freedom of the media in the region
The international reputation of Tanzania as the heart of good governance in East Africa is becoming harder to maintain. And while its citizens are the most satisfied with the way their democracy works (75 per cent), there have been some worrying signs in the countrys politics.
According to Freedom House, there has been a notable jump in extrajudicial violence by the police, including vigilante violence against women, albinos and members of the LGBT community.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has accused Dar es Salaam of relying on an arsenal of anti-media laws that give the government wide discretionary powers to curb media freedom.
In Burundi, several rights groups have also reported that impunity for human rights abuses by State agents and the youth wing of the ruling party remains a concern.
Last year, the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Burundi the least open and free society in East Africa.
READ: EA scores poorly in governance
Journalists and civil society groups have been branded agent provocateurs by the government, while a new media law assented to by the president last June is severely limiting press freedom. The law forces journalists to reveal their sources or face heavy penalties.
In the recent past, both Uganda and Kenya have also experienced reversals in democratic gains. Fewer than half of Kenyans and 52 per cent of Ugandans do not think they live in democracies, according to the Afrobarometer.
Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni, who is Africas fifth longest ruler, is widely expected to seek a fifth term in office in the 2016 election. Just before the 2006 presidential polls, Ugandas parliament amended the Constitution to hand President Museveni a third term in office.
Early this year, President Museveni signed into law a controversial anti-gay law which sentences first time offenders to 14 years in prison, forbids the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to denounce it.
News
[h=1]East Africa is continents most democratic place[/h]
By TREVOR ANALO The EastAfrican
Posted Friday, May 2 2014 at 13:54
In Summary
- More East Africans are generally satisfied with their countries democratic credentials even as they demand for a freer and open society.
- Preference for a more democratic government is highest in Tanzania (84 per cent), then Uganda (79 per cent) Burundi (74 per cent) and Kenya (74 per cent).
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East Africa has been ranked as the most democratic region on the continent, hinting at lower pressure in the near future for further regime change as it is the case in North Africa, the worst performer.
According to the latest Afrobarometer 34 survey, more East Africans are generally satisfied with their countries democratic credentials even as they demand for a freer and open society.
Preference for a more democratic government is highest in Tanzania (84 per cent), then Uganda (79 per cent) Burundi (74 per cent) and Kenya (74 per cent).
But even as East Africans express their popular support for democracy, the realities on the ground paint a very grim picture. The 2014 Freedom in the World report by Freedom House, a US-based watchdog, notes a downward trend in civil and political liberties across the region.
READ: Harsh laws threaten freedom of the media in the region
The international reputation of Tanzania as the heart of good governance in East Africa is becoming harder to maintain. And while its citizens are the most satisfied with the way their democracy works (75 per cent), there have been some worrying signs in the countrys politics.
According to Freedom House, there has been a notable jump in extrajudicial violence by the police, including vigilante violence against women, albinos and members of the LGBT community.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has accused Dar es Salaam of relying on an arsenal of anti-media laws that give the government wide discretionary powers to curb media freedom.
In Burundi, several rights groups have also reported that impunity for human rights abuses by State agents and the youth wing of the ruling party remains a concern.
Last year, the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Burundi the least open and free society in East Africa.
READ: EA scores poorly in governance
Journalists and civil society groups have been branded agent provocateurs by the government, while a new media law assented to by the president last June is severely limiting press freedom. The law forces journalists to reveal their sources or face heavy penalties.
In the recent past, both Uganda and Kenya have also experienced reversals in democratic gains. Fewer than half of Kenyans and 52 per cent of Ugandans do not think they live in democracies, according to the Afrobarometer.
Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni, who is Africas fifth longest ruler, is widely expected to seek a fifth term in office in the 2016 election. Just before the 2006 presidential polls, Ugandas parliament amended the Constitution to hand President Museveni a third term in office.
Early this year, President Museveni signed into law a controversial anti-gay law which sentences first time offenders to 14 years in prison, forbids the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to denounce it.
