Introduction 

2024 has been lauded as the biggest global election year in history; with more than 60 countries around the world, accounting for more than half of the world’s population, heading to the ballots. The African region is having an equally busy election calendar—19 countries holding elections, with 12 occurring by December— making this a pivotal year for democracy in the region.  

The integrity of electoral processes is the yardstick of any legitimate democracy. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, the increasing influence of money in politics poses a significant threat to this integrity. The 12th Regional Meeting for Sub-Saharan Africa held on 24 September 2024 sought to tackle the topic of “Electoral Integrity and Campaign Financing” which has become a pressing concern for civil society, political actors, and international organizations alike. 

This blog synthesises insights shared during the meeting, exploring the complex interplay between money, power, and corruption in African elections. It further highlights how unregulated campaign financing undermines democratic processes that many African nations strive to uphold, and the steps needed to ensure electoral integrity.

The Landscape of Electoral Integrity in Africa

Electoral integrity refers to the quality of elections and the extent to which they adhere to democratic principles, including transparency, fairness, and accountability. In sub-Saharan Africa, electoral integrity is frequently compromised by various factors, including political corruption, irregularities, and a lack of transparency in campaign financing.

Historically, many African nations have grappled with governance challenges rooted in colonial legacies and authoritarian regimes. The shift to multiparty democracy in the 1990s raised hopes for better governance; however, the persistent influence of unregulated political financing has impacted people’s trust in democratic processes leading to widespread disillusionment among citizens and voters.

Campaign financing refers to the funds raised and spent by candidates and political parties during electoral campaigns. In many African countries, the costs associated with running for office have soared, resulting in a political culture where votes are often bought and sold. For example, a 2021 study by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy with Mzalendo Trust on the “Cost of Politics in Kenya” showcased that running for the Senate was the most expensive, with candidates spending an average of $350,000. Contestants for Woman Representative seats spent around $228,000, while those vying for parliamentary positions averaged $182,000 in campaign expenses. Such financial burdens create barriers for ordinary citizens, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups, who often lack the necessary resources to compete.

The Mechanisms of Corruption

The meeting explored the multifaceted mechanisms through which campaign financing corrupts electoral integrity. This includes vote buying, abuse of state resources, and unregulated foreign donations.

1. Vote buying and selling

Vote buying, wherein candidates offer money or goods to voters in exchange for their votes, remains a rampant issue in African elections. This practice undermines the legitimacy of electoral processes and perpetuates a cycle of corruption, as politicians seek to recover their investments once in office. In Ghana, for instance, vote buying has become alarmingly common, with both voters and candidates engaging in this transactional relationship.

2. Abuse of State Resources

Incumbent politicians often exploit state resources for electoral gain. This abuse can manifest in various forms such as using government funds for campaign activities or leveraging state infrastructure for political advantage. Members of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition have documented numerous instances of state resource misuse, illustrating how incumbency creates an uneven playing field that disadvantages challengers.

3. Unregulated Foreign Donations

The influx of foreign donations complicates the campaign financing landscape further. While some countries have laws regulating campaign financing, enforcement is often weak or nonexistent. This lack of oversight allows candidates to solicit funds from foreign entities, raising concerns about accountability and the potential for external influence in domestic politics.

The Impact of High Campaign Costs

As highlighted in the discussions, the rising costs of elections have profound implications for democracy. High campaign costs create barriers to entry for many potential candidates, resulting in a political landscape dominated by wealthy individuals and powerful interest groups. This includes:

1. Exclusion of Marginalized Groups

The financial barriers associated with running for office disproportionately affect women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Often, women candidates face additional costs related to security and media visibility, compounding their challenges. This exclusion undermines the principle of representative democracy, silencing the voices of marginalised communities.

2. Corruption and Cronyism

The high costs of election campaigns foster a culture of corruption, where politicians prioritise the interests of their financial backers over those of their constituents. Candidates often feel compelled to engage in corrupt practices—such as vote buying or bribery—to secure their positions. This cycle erodes public trust in political institutions and undermines the quality of governance.

Spotlight on the Role of Civil Society

CSOs play a pivotal role in advocating for electoral integrity and campaign finance reforms. Members shared various initiatives they are undertaking to push for necessary changes in campaign financing regulations:

• Organisations like Transparency International- Zambia and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition have been instrumental in monitoring campaign finance and electoral integrity. Their efforts include conducting research, engaging with political parties, and advocating for regulatory frameworks to govern campaign financing. For instance, in Zambia, CSOs successfully engaged with political parties to build consensus around the need for legislation to regulate political party funding.
• CSOs have also been on the frontline of public education campaigns, aimed at informing citizens about their electoral rights and the importance of electoral integrity. Initiatives targeting young people were highlighted as particularly vital for cultivating the next generation of informed and engaged citizens.
• CSOs like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) play a pivotal role in supporting electoral management bodies (EMBs) to fulfil their mandates effectively. They provide technical assistance, training, and resources to help EMBs enhance their capacity to administer free and fair elections. Their initiatives include developing comprehensive election management frameworks, improving voter education, and promoting transparency in the electoral process. Additionally, IFES engages in advocacy efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks governing elections, ensuring that EMBs operate within a framework of accountability.
• Research-based advocacy is vital in pushing for electoral reform. For instance, in Kenya, ahead of the 2022 elections, Mzalendo engaged extensively with parliamentary caucuses, including the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee and the African Parliamentary Network against Corruption. Their advocacy efforts emphasised that campaign financing was not solely an issue of equity and equality but also a critical concern for integrity, democracy, and anti-corruption. Their research on the “Cost of Politics in Kenya” provided essential data that had previously been lacking, illuminating the inequalities inherent in campaign financing. This evidence-based approach prompted political parties to create a fair playing field for vulnerable groups, resulting in significant changes such as reduced fees for women candidates and the elimination of fees for candidates with disabilities.

The Path Forward: Recommendations for Enhancing Electoral Integrity

As discussed at the meeting, addressing the challenges posed by campaign financing and corruption requires a multi-faceted approach. The following recommendations emerged to enhance electoral integrity in sub-Saharan Africa:

1. Establish Comprehensive Campaign Finance Laws

Countries should implement robust campaign finance regulations that address issues of transparency, accountability, and enforcement. This includes setting spending limits, requiring full disclosure of campaign contributions, and establishing penalties for violations.

2. Strengthen Oversight Institutions

Independent electoral management bodies (EMBs) must be empowered to oversee campaign financing and ensure compliance with regulations. This includes providing adequate resources and training to enable effective monitoring and enforcement.

3. Promote Public Awareness and Education

CSOs should continue engaging in public education campaigns that inform citizens about their rights and the importance of electoral integrity. Targeted initiatives aimed at marginalized groups can help ensure that all voices are heard in the electoral process.

4. Foster Collaboration Among Stakeholders

Collaboration between governments, civil society, and international organizations is essential for advancing campaign finance reforms. This includes sharing best practices, resources, and strategies for promoting electoral integrity.

5. Encourage International Standards

Advocacy for the establishment of international standards on campaign finance transparency, such as a UN resolution, can help create a framework for countries to follow. This would enhance accountability and facilitate the domestication of existing international agreements.