3 Ways To Win Elections in Africa

1. Through The Use Of State Power

One major instrument for winning elections in Africa is through the use of State power. These are the institutions or agencies that make up the State. For instance, the electoral body, Armed Forces, Police, Media and so on. Therefore, it goes that whichever political party commands the power of the state has a major advantage in clinging to power. Rarely, and I mean rarely does a ruling party lose an election in Africa, and that’s because the party in power has a monopoly of the state apparatus. 

2. Through The Use Of Cash

It is no surprise that money is one of the key instruments through which elections are won in the continent. That’s because in Africa, Nigeria to be precise, winning an election is very expensive - It is no place for small boys. For instance, in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State; I witnessed something that was completely bizarre. Party Agents of both the PDP and APC were doling out cash to voters as though they where the governor of the Central Bank. In some wards, I heard that vote buying went as high as 15,000 naira per voter! Now multiply that figure by 1 million voters and you’d understand why elections are so expensive in Nigeria. 

3. Through Thugs And Hooligans

The last but not the least means through which elections are won in Nigeria, is the nefarious activities of thugs and vagabonds. Thugs and unrepentant criminals are the ones who hijack ballot boxes and electoral materials for crooked politicians on the day of election. Another despicable role they play is the intimidation of supporters of the opposition parties. And with the ammunition and weapons supplied to them by these wicked and desperate politicians, they’re ever ready to play with their new toys!

A FINAL WORD

It is quite unfortunate that while elections into public offices in developed societies are seen as a means to serve one's country and not the least bit attractive to most of their citizens; elections in Africa is a do-or-die affair because of the numerous perks that comes with power.

So, come November 16th, the full might of the State would be utilized to the fullest; cash would flow like water; fools would die as usual; and some political parties would reject the result and take their grievances to court.

Well, let the madness begin!