Ndovu Mkuu

Elections are the most visible tenets of liberal democracy. They play a crucial role in the democratisation process of a country’s political system. In the period between November 2020 and July 2021, several countries in East Africa and the Horn have either held presidential and parliamentary elections or are scheduled to hold them. While the political landscape varies in each, there are a number of cross-cutting issues which manifest with varying impact across the region. These impact the credibility of the elections, participation by the electorate and their effectiveness as a tool for holding the powerful to account. This series examines these cross-cutting issues that will affect elections scheduled to be held in Eastern Africa, including the Horn, in the first half of 2021.

The 31st May 2021 elections in Somaliland are the culmination of a remarkable 30 year journey during which the nation has developed what some have called “the first indigenous modern African form of government”. The Elephant charts the country’s democratic path.

Sino-African relations are dynamic, non-conventional and vibrant. Yet, most analysis and news doesn’t add value and nuance to this discussion but rather maintains the usual stereotypes on what China gets out of this partnership. This edition approaches African-China relations as a vibrant, two-way dynamic in which both sides adjust to popular perception and policy initiatives emanating from the other.