By Burnett Munthali
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The 2024 South African elections offer several key lessons, underscoring the resilience of democratic institutions, the impact of digital influence, and the importance of maintaining fair electoral processes.
Resilience of Democratic Institutions
South Africa’s 2024 elections tested the strength and impartiality of its democratic institutions, particularly the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the judiciary. Despite facing significant political pressure and scrutiny, these bodies upheld their roles in ensuring a fair electoral process. High-profile legal challenges, such as those involving former President Jacob Zuma’s candidacy, highlighted the judiciary’s ability to make impartial decisions under pressure. This resilience is crucial for maintaining public trust in electoral outcomes and reinforcing the country’s constitutional democracy.
Digital Influence and Election Integrity
The increasing role of digital influence in elections is a critical area of concern. South Africa, like many other countries, faces challenges from sophisticated online influence operations. Lessons from Kenya’s 2022 elections reveal how digital influencers can manipulate public opinion through inauthentic engagement techniques, such as sock puppet accounts and astroturfing. These tactics can delegitimize traditional media and distort the political landscape. To combat this, South Africa needs to bolster its defenses against digital misinformation and ensure that its robust media landscape continues to provide accurate and impartial information.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Power Sharing
Another lesson from African politics is the risk associated with power-sharing agreements as a means to resolve post-election disputes. Historical examples from Kenya and Zimbabwe demonstrate that while power sharing can temporarily stabilize a political crisis, it may also entrench undemocratic incumbents and undermine the electoral process. Ensuring that electoral integrity is maintained and that results are respected without resorting to power-sharing agreements is vital for the long-term health of democracy.
Conclusion
The 2024 South African elections highlight the importance of resilient democratic institutions, the need to guard against digital manipulation, and the dangers of undemocratic power-sharing solutions.
These lessons are essential for South Africa and other democracies striving to uphold fair and transparent electoral processes in the digital age.
