Fomunyoh: 2025 Elections Signal Deep Democratic Backslide Across Africa. BUEA, Cameroon — Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), has expressed serious concerns over a concerning trend of democratic regression across Africa, citing recent elections and political crises as evidence. Speaking on Cameroonian media Dash TV, Dr Fomunyoh highlighted the erosion of political pluralism, constitutionalism, and public trust in democratic institutions.
Dr Fomunyoh pointed to contentious vote counts, prolonged post — election tensions, and restrictions on civic space as signs of the decline in democratic norms. “We are at a point where elections are still costing lives, destroying property, and sending hundreds to jail, “he. “If we cannot organize transparent processes that instil confidence in citizens, then the independence our forefathers fought for is all in vain.”.
The year 2025 has been marked by a patchwork of electoral outcomes, violent conflicts, and questions about Africa’s democratic path. From West Africa to the Great Lakes region, millions of citizens participated in crucial presidential and parliamentary elections.
However, in several countries, the results revealed significant institutional weaknesses and heightened fears of democratic backsliding.
Cameroon’s presidential elections on October 12 have been particularly contentious, leading to protests, mass arrests, and contested results. Dr Fomunyoh noted the death of opposition figure Anicet Ekane, who died in detention in Yaoundé, and emphasized the country’s electoral architecture’s weaknesses.
He criticized the disqualification of several opposition candidates and the “vulnerable and opaque “multi-layered vote-tabulation system.
Fomunyoh also addressed Guinea — Bissau’s election, where soldiers intervened to remove President Umaro Sissoco Embaló before final results could be announced. He warned that this could erase 30 years of democratic progress in West Africa.
Tanzania’s election, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a controversial 97% victory, was also criticized by Fomunyoh.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), once a strong democratic watchdog, is said to be “fragilized “by the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Fomunyoh called for vigilance and reform in countries like the Central African Republic and Uganda, which are facing elections in the near future. Despite the alarming trends, Fomunyoh remains hopeful, emphasizing that “Africans are ripe for democracy.
They want more freedoms, more transparency, and more accountability.”He called for leaders who believe in the rule of law and peaceful alternation of power.
