Is Democracy Improving in Nigeria? 2023 Report Reveals Trends.

The Global State of Democracy (GSoD) 2023 Report has revealed that democracy is improving in Nigeria and other African countries despite major challenges.
It noted that countries like The Gambia and Zambia have shown that democratic consolidation is also gaining ground despite waves of unrest and military coups across the continent, especially the Sahel region.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Africa and West Asia Regional Office; in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, presented the 2023 edition of the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Report, titled “The New Checks and Balances.” on February 8, 2024 in Addis Ababa.
According to the press statement on Thursday by the communications officer, International IDEA Africa and West Asia regional office, Mr. Sami Ahmed, the report highlights that political participation is emerging as a regional strength, with nine African countries ranking among the top 50 globally in levels of participation.

The said experiences in countries like Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria and Sierra Leone had shown that popular movements can play a vital role as countervailing institutions when other institutions have been unable to constrain governments.

The launching of the report in Ethiopia drew participants from stakeholders including International IDEA member states, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), United Nations agencies, diplomatic representatives, civil society organizations, research institutions, think tanks, academic bodies, election management bodies and government officials.