UK Elections and Thailand: Lessons for Africa

Published on 11th May 2010

Africa can draw several lessons on democracy from the just concluded elections in UK and the ongoing protests in Bangkok, Thailand. 

The successful polls in UK and strict adherence to democratic structures shows the importance of enforcing structures in having a peaceful transition. The political parties in Britain: the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have distinct philosophies which they advance to spearhead a prosperous and united Britain. Africa would do well to shun the ‘messiah’ driven politics devoid of distinct philosophies as this cannot guarantee improved living standards on the continent. Democracy overheats when it is simply about acquiring raw power as opposed to serving the electorate.  

In Thailand, Red Shirts bent on driving out Thailand’s ruling party for allegedly catering for the interests of the aristocrats and ignoring the majority poor. The impasse has seen lives lost, business come to a standstill and the country become ungovernable. The lesson here is that any attempt to make a country to develop that relegates the majority into mere spectators provides a fertile ground for frustration and conflict.  

Although this teaches Africa to domesticate the tenets of democracy and offer service to all citizenry, it also raises questions on how far the ‘people power’ should be allowed to go especially if it turns into the tyranny of the majority against the minority. 


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