Nic Cheeseman

A rally held by the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) shortly after constitutional court's verdict annulling the May 2019 elections. Credit: MCP.

February 24, 2020

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The opposition playbook for discrediting elections and its risks

Opposition parties across Africa and world have been using a similar set of strategies to discredit elections. Here’s what they are. Malawi recently held its breath ...

Politics Top story

By Nic Cheeseman

December 11, 2017

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Don’t Mess With The Military and 4 other lessons from Africa in 2017

What trends emerged in Africa in 2017? What can we expect in 2018? The last 12 months have been a confusing time for African democracy. We ...

The two front runners, President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Raila Odinga (right). Credit: State House of Kenya/World Economic Forum.

Kenya Politics

By Nic Cheeseman

July 12, 2017

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Kenyatta vs. Odinga: A study in contrasts

Ahead of Kenya’s elections, the opposition stalwart is promising to shake things up, while the incumbent vows to protect the status quo. Kenya’s general election will be contested ...

President Edgar Lungu is accused of embarking on a campaign against opposition voices across society. Credit: GCIS.

Politics Zambia

By Nic Cheeseman

June 19, 2017

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Zambia’s authoritarianism deepens, emboldened by IMF support

An opposition leader in jail. 48 MPs suspended. A $1.2 billion IMF package on the way. The speaker of Zambia’s National Assembly, Patrick Matibini, has suspended ...

Politics

By Nic Cheeseman

January 10, 2017

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Africa’s real story of 2017 will be of close elections and activists struggling to hold governments accountable

Electoral commissions, the battle for the control of social media, and a hesitant international community could define many of the political stories of the coming year. ...