Despite growing public disillusionment, economic crises, and democratic setbacks across the continent, African and Global South leaders have made a resounding call for a new model of democracy—one grounded in dignity, justice, and inclusive governance.
This was the central message at the High-Level Dialogue on Reimagining Democracy in Africa, which concluded in Pretoria on Thursday, bringing together over 200 participants, including policymakers, civil society leaders, academics, and former heads of government.
The two-day event was hosted by International IDEA in partnership with the Open Society Foundations, the African Union, the European Union, Switzerland’s foreign ministry, and South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Held in advance of South Africa’s G20 presidency in November, the dialogue focused on how Africa and the Global South can respond to rising authoritarianism, military coups, and public disenchantment with political institutions.
“Democracy is not a Western import—it is a universal aspiration,” said Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA. “The Global South must lead in sharing and upholding its democratic innovations. We need comparative knowledge, capacity-building, and collective action to counter threats to democracy.”
Despite polling that shows 66% of Africans still prefer democracy, many speakers noted that its failure to deliver real economic and social outcomes is driving citizens to question its relevance.
“The failure to address critical economic questions impacts how citizens perceive the very concept of democracy,” said Dr Chukwumeka Eze, Director of the Africa Programme at Open Society Foundations. “This is no longer about institutions alone—democracy must deliver dignity, equity, and justice. People want results, not just rituals.”
The dialogue also addressed the alarming rise in public support for unconstitutional political transitions. Afrobarometer data cited at the event revealed that over half of respondents across several African countries would tolerate military intervention when democratic leaders abuse power.
“I do not believe that people have rejected democracy,” said Dr Abdalla Hamdok, former Prime Minister of Sudan. “What we are witnessing is a crisis of delivery—when governments fail to meet expectations, citizens turn elsewhere. The military doesn’t return because it is popular—it returns because people feel abandoned.”
Hamdok emphasised the need for democratic systems that are resilient and rooted in peace, development, and inclusive governance.
“We must strengthen the role of the state and restore the connection between democracy, economic performance, and peace. What has failed is not democracy itself, but our implementation of it,” he said.
Other speakers echoed these concerns, urging a shift from election-centred democracy to people-centred governance.
Professor Nkata Murungi, Director at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, highlighted the rise of youth- and women-led movements demanding accountability across the continent.
“Governments did not give protesters power—they took it. What we are witnessing is a reawakening of political agency,” she said. “Young people, those in informal settlements, and women are driving the push for justice and equity.”
Structural reforms also featured prominently in the conversation. Hon. SOR Mahumapelo, Chairperson of South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on International Relations, proposed the creation of a continent-wide Independent Electoral Commission to improve transparency and harmonise election standards.
“We must go beyond fragmented reforms,” he said. “Africa needs stronger, unified systems to defend democratic norms and restore public trust.”
Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, warned against hollow electoral processes that ignore citizens’ needs.
“What we are practising is not democracy—we are bastardising it,” he said. “Elections alone do not make a democracy. We must address the trust deficit and representation gaps.”
The dialogue concluded with a call to reclaim the social contract by transforming power structures, strengthening citizen participation, and confronting new global threats such as climate change, digital disinformation, and economic inequality.
“Reimagining democracy must be grounded in local realities and collective ownership,” said Dr Casas-Zamora in his closing remarks. “This is not about exporting models, but building democratic systems that work for people where they are.”
For Dr Eze, the way forward is clear: “It is the people—mobilised, organised, and united—who will lead the transformation. Democracy must not just be a system, it must be a promise fulfilled.”
