Elections in Africa: Democracy through Technology?

As a key element in the democratic process, the protection and clarity surrounding government elections is paramount to the success of a functioning governmental system. Elections held in African nations have become subject to intense scrutiny by their citizens due to questionable transparency and validity over election results. In this seminar, speaker Deus M. Kibamba will discuss election processes seen over the past decade, with a key focus on the deterioration of public trust, which poses a threat to the significance of election processes as a tool for succession. Utilizing data collected in several African countries, Mr. Kibamba highlights the use of technology as the most effective way to improve polling and access to election material, especially for younger generations in particular. As a result, public trust in the election process can be amended, allowing for the democratic process to become more competent, and an increase in citizens participation.

Deus M. Kibamba is a Visiting Researcher at the IIR and an Academy Robert Bosch Fellow at Chatham House, London. Deus’ current research at Chatham House and the IIR examines CEE-Africa relations in the context of how developments in e-governance influences some CEE transitions and what lessons can be drawn in support of institutional strengthening and improving outcomes for citizens in Africa. He previously served as executive director of the Tanzania Citizens’ Information Bureau and as a chairman of the Civil Society Constitutional Forum, a membership platform of 200 organizations to advance citizens’ constitutional literacy throughout the review process, among others. He has 20 years of experience in action-oriented research, advocacy and dissemination and he is a frequent commentator on topical issues in the Tanzanian and international media. He holds a BA in political science, international relations from the University of Dar es Salaam, an MA in international studies from Sheffield University, a PGD in governance, democratization and public policy from the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, and a PGCert in constitution building in Africa from the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. He has repeatedly served as an election observer throughout Africa.

Moderator: Ondřej Horký-Hlucháň is Deputy Director for Research at the Institute of International Relations.