ABSTRACT
Since the 1990s, we are witnessing a rapid process of democratisation across the African continent. The changes in African political systems are a result of a wide variety of factors including political globalisation, which aims to spread Western models of democracy and governance across the world. Since, ‘African leaders and institutions have missed no opportunity to reiterate their conversion and commitment to democratic precepts, conduct, and practices’ (N’Diaye, Saine and Houngnikpo, 2005, p.16). This process, imposed by both external and internal forces, has led to few successes, but also to many conflicts, tensions, and challenges in different parts of the continent. Looking at recent tensions and conflicts related to elections in the continent (Kenya in 2007, Ivory Coast in 2010), one could be disappointed in the impacts of democratisation in the continent.
