Many African countries formed multi-party political systems and drafted constitutions that limited presidential terms. Many African countries south of the Sahara saw a peaceful transition of power, with presidents leaving office as a result of defeats at the polls. There was a ray of hope in 2003 when Malawi rejected constitutional amendments to extend president Bakili Muluzi’s rule. Pessimism at the possibility of extending democratic rule in Africa had not set in at this time, however. Until 2010, the majority of African countries moving in the direction of greater democracy tended to respect the articles of their constitutions.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 20, 2020 14:37 UTC