What's at Stake in Africa

Lauren Ploch
Special to the Sentinel

October 4, 2003

Herman Melville once said, "To be born an American citizen seems a guarantee against pauperism; and this, perhaps, springs from the virtue of a vote." Pauperism abounds in Africa, where the average income is less than $570 a year, less than what many Americans spend annually on coffee at Starbucks.

Of Africa's 54 countries, which cover a landmass roughly four times the United States, only 17 are considered even marginally democratic. Democracy may seem to many like a lost cause in a continent so beset with other life-or-death crises. But after the 2000 presidential recount, we Floridians don't need much convincing on the importance of voting. And as an Orlando native who has monitored elections in Africa for the International Republican Institute, a nonprofit organization, I can tell you that democracy, like clean water and shelter, isn't a luxury. It's a basic necessity, even in Africa.

In December 2002, Kenyans stood in long lines, often in pouring rain, to oust one of the continent's longest-serving rulers in what was arguably the most important, not to mention one of the "cleanest," elections in Africa's history. After enduring years of corruption and poverty, the voters saw casting their ballots as taking the first step in putting Kenya back on the road to development. And in doing so, they set a vital precedent for the rest of the region.

Nigeria's April election, by contrast, was hardly "free and fair." In one of many blatant instances of rigging, party thugs stuffed ballot boxes in full view of international monitors. Nevertheless, ordinary citizens often vigilantly policed their own local polling stations against would-be meddlers. In one case, I saw an angry crowd chase away a gang that had tried to steal ballots. This particular case of "election-related violence" actually seemed a good sign, as it showed the determination of ordinary people to defend their democracy.

But beyond good feelings about freedom and self-determination, these elections have very real practical economic consequences. Potential investors and business partners -- desperately needed in Africa -- see a country's ability to hold a credible election as emblematic of its ability to do anything else. Kenya's successful polls put it on the road to economic recovery and set a vital precedent for the rest of the region. Nigeria's botched election, by contrast, will mean less development and progress in Africa's most populous country.

The Bush administration should continue to support the development of strong democratic institutions, to insist upon transparency and accountability, and political empowerment at the grass-roots level. Human rights and political freedom must not become casualties in America's war on terrorism as they sometimes were during the Cold War. On the contrary, terrorism breeds in the instability and resentment created by dictators and warlords. In the end, America's most important exports are not computer chips or Hollywood movies -- they are ideas about democracy, freedom and human dignity. They are the ultimate guarantee against the pauperism of both the spirit and the pocketbook.