2011 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN AFRICA

It seems many African countries are headed to the polls this year. You would think that because its a new year, we will see a new generation of leaders or just simply new faces in the leadership positions. But no, this is not the case.

• Nigeria
• Cameroon
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Egypt

The above listed countries are crucial to watch in this new year of 2011. 4 out of 5 of these countries have presidents that have ruled for over 20 years. Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Paul Biya (Cameroon), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Hosini Mubarak (Egypt). One would really wonder if we should start calling these countries Monarchs rather than the democratic states that they claim to be.

To top it all up; all of the above named countries except for Nigeria have an incumbent president way above the age of 60 and re-contesting the presidential seat once again. Recently in the Dec-Jan issue of the African Report, an article was suggesting that perhaps no African should be allowed to run for presidential elections over the age of 69.

The end of 2010 also had its own example of what has now become a presidential tradition of African presidents holding on to power and not wanting to let go even when the people don't want them. Ivory Coast also known as Cote d'Ivoire's "supposed to be former president," Ggabgo failed to come to terms with his loss of elections to the "should be president" Alassane Quattara; and this frenzy is still on going. As though that was not enough, Tunisia also out stated its longstanding president who has held office since 1987- even before I was born; but this is still a matter on-going as well. One can only wonder the anger brewing within the hearts of citizens of these countries and of Africans as a whole. We can only hope that other countries have learnt a lesson or two from Tunisia and Ivory Coast as we approach elections this year.

It is possible that Zambia's incumbent president, Rupiah Bwezani Banda may face the same out stature in the upcoming elections as his Tunisian counterpart, however, not because of the years he has been in power. But rather, because of his age as the man pushes into his 73rd birthday. His lack of support from the people in general is bound to affect his election but this may not necessarily stop him. However, the abuse of power in Africa is very apparent and I could almost bet that all these incumbent presidents will still be presidents in 2012; whether by coalition government or not. Come blood shed or not. Rigging elections or not. Despite all this, there is not better option to replace Zambia's president with, as his strongest opposition rival, Michael Sata is known to be a tyrant and he himself is 74 years old. A year older than the incumbent. What to do? Africa can only pray for a miracle in this year's coming elections. 

WATCH OUT!