In E3 democracies, which are considered the most mature democracies, priorities shift towards ensuring that basic needs, social services and justice are accessible to everyone. Citizens in such democracies therefore vote for those with an interest as well as a track record in eliminating social, economic and political inequalities. The Pandemic Backsliding Risk Index in the diagram below indicates the risk of declining democratic freedoms as a result of governments’ responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. This is alarming, given the fact that over a dozen African countries are supposed to conduct elections this year. We remember that their duty is to protect the most vulnerable, particularly during times of crisis.

Source: Daily Nation June 14, 2020 06:22 UTC