Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s presidential election, which saw John Mahama declared president-elect, marks the end of a transformative year in African politics, with five opposition victories recorded across the continent. This unprecedented wave of political change reflects growing demands for accountability, economic reforms, and improved governance.
In 2024, opposition parties successfully ousted incumbents in Ghana, Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal, and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. This marks the highest number of opposition victories in a single year in recent African history, underscoring significant voter discontent.
Ghana’s tightly contested elections concluded with Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing 51.3% of the vote, against 48.4% for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Voter turnout reached an impressive 74.2%, with over 12.6 million ballots cast. The election represents a clear call for economic recovery and reform following widespread dissatisfaction with Ghana’s economic challenges.
In a historic upset in November, Botswana’s Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ended nearly 60 years of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). UDC leader Duma Boko secured 52% of the vote, while the BDP received 44%. The election highlighted growing public demand for transparency and socio-economic change in one of Africa’s most politically stable nations.
Mauritius saw a 63% voter turnout as an opposition coalition swept to power, unseating the ruling party. Voters cited concerns over corruption and economic stagnation, with the new administration pledging sweeping reforms to address these issues.
The African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF), led by Ousmane Sonko, won the presidency with 54% of the vote in Senegal. The election, which had a turnout exceeding 70%, was the most competitive in decades and marked a significant moment in Senegal’s democratic history.
In Somaliland, the self-declared republic, opposition leader Abdirahman Irro won a narrow victory with 51% of the vote. His campaign focused on strengthening democratic institutions and seeking greater international recognition for Somaliland’s independence efforts.
The “annus horribilis” for incumbent governments has underscored a broader regional trend of growing political accountability. Economic hardship, corruption, and security challenges have fuelled voter dissatisfaction, leading to these significant political shifts.
As new administrations take office, they face the dual challenge of meeting heightened public expectations and delivering on their campaign promises. While international observers, including the African Union, have praised the peaceful transitions, questions remain about the ability of these governments to address deeply rooted issues.
The year 2024 will be remembered as a turning point in African politics, as citizens across the continent demand greater transparency, reform, and leadership accountability. Whether this momentum will lead to lasting change remains to be seen.
