WE DISMANTLE BREWER'S GARBAGE ON SOUTH AFRICA

At least 17 African countries are likely to hold elections this year, almost a third of the continent. Let’s have a look at the potential ramifications in a few key countries.

In South Africa, the African National Congress looks likely to lose its majority for the first time in the country’s post-independence history. Issues such as unemployment, load-shedding and economic inequality are likely to turn away previously loyal voters. The ANC might find itself forced to enter into a coalition either with the Pan-Africanist and Marxist-Leninist Economic Freedom Fighters, led by Julius Malema, or with the White-dominated Democratic Alliance, favoured by South Africa’s big business.

With elections slated for February 25th, Senegal's main presidential contender, Ousmane Sonko, seems to be absent from the ballot. The 49-year-old former tax inspector has been entangled in a series of legal battles, as his popularity rose among Senegalese voters. A back-and-forth in Senegalese courts has seen the Supreme Court reverse an earlier tribunal ruling giving him the green light to run.

In Burkina Faso, elections might be delayed. The transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, gave the recovery of territorial integrity as a prerequisite in order to guarantee democracy. Currently, Ouagadougou controls 65% of the country’s territory, with 35% in insurgent hands. Two-million Burkinabe citizens have been displaced by terrorist attacks.

Rwanda is heading to the polls, with President Paul Kagame seeking a fourth term. Having won with 98% of the vote last time, it remains to be seen whether any opposition outfit will mount a serious challenge, as the country deals with issues like youth unemployment, poverty and food security.

And Chad is expected to vote in October. Transitional leader Mahamat Idriss Déby is expected to run. His candidacy follows the promulgation of a new constitution after a mid-December referendum. He has been backed by France, following the killing of his father at the frontlines in 2021.