A democratic country has a system of government in which the people have the power to participate in decision-making.

Democracy comes in different shades. Each democracy is unique and works in different ways.

Direct democracy- Citizens help make decisions directly by voting on laws and policies.

Representative democracy-Citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf like in most African countries. There are a lot of Democratical steps seen in these nations.

For instance, recent elections held in Angola, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea showed significant progress towards democracy and rule of law, as well as greater participation of women, briefers told the Security Council today that strengthened international and regional cooperation was needed to build and sustain peace and democratic strides in Central Africa in the face of persistent security challenges. Central Africa has not been the most democratic region but steps like fair and peaceful elections.

After the colonial period, most African nations fell victim to one-party rule characterized by "big man" syndrome. These leaders did not want to let go of power and their rule saw Corruption and a lack of transparency and accountability. An exotic Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe had been in power from 1980 until recently when he was removed.

But democracy has begun to advance in the last few years. Today, 18 countries of sub-Saharan Africa are counted as functioning democracies, and as many as 35 are in some stage of democratic transition with evidential steps towards constitutionalism.

For instance in Mali recently, there ended an “indefinite” strike, one which originally began as a protest against living and working conditions, and is now calling into question whether the July 29 presidential elections will occur as scheduled. The resignation of postapartheid South African President Jacob Zuma is seen by some as further evidence of a growing push for increased accountability, transparency, and the democratic expectations of citizens.

South Africa is not a perfect country with a lot of cases of undemocratic actions by the leaders but it has come a long way. In the 28 years since apartheid ended in 1994, South Africa has developed a multiracial, pluralistic form of government that includes a multiparty parliament, independent judiciary, free press, robust civil society, and a broad social safety net. Their inclusivity in Politics includes a risiynumner of women in government and gender-sensitive policies.

During the apartheid period and the post-apartheid period with Nelson Mandela’s election as president in 1994, a racial minority maintained political supremacy by legal force and violence. The economy boomed for white people, but the black majority remained overwhelmingly poor, deprived of equal education and opportunities to work. Kenya, a country in East Africa has reached many democratic milestones, including: The adoption of an inclusive and progressive Constitution in 2010.

A more decentralized governance structure of 47 county governments with increased county capacity in public expenditure management and enhanced public participation. The devolution has enhanced a system of power-sharing and a closer reach to the citizens. The formulation of county-level action plans to cater to all problems including security, health, and public involvement.

Another country is Namibia whose independence in 1990, the country has made tremendous strides in establishing a democratic, viable nation. Namibia has a free press, an independent judiciary, well-protected property rights, and a fairly good labor market. The country also boasts well-developed financial markets and excellent infrastructure by regional standards.

Since the beginning of 2015, Africa has experienced more than 27 leadership changes, highlighting the continent-wide push for greater accountability and democracy. Countries like Mauritius, Botswana, Cape Verde, Namibia, and Ghana rank relatively high as politically stable, democratic countries. These countries, as well as other rising democracies across Africa, serve as encouragement and role model to other African nations and proves a possible future of successful democracy.

What are the benefits of democracy?

• There are ways to resolve different views and conflicts peacefully. It gives all an opportunity yair their views and be heard before a verdict is reached. It clearly shows the steps to be taken to solve different problems.

• Respect for human dignity. The provision for human rights protects citizens from unjust infringement of their rights and privileges.

• The freedom to act, speak and think freely provided they do not infringe on the rights of others. The media has the freedom to express all activities in the state.

• Good government that is efficient, transparent, responsive, and accountable to citizens. This ensures equality in the allocation of national resources.

• In a democracy people expect the government to work for their welfare. This could be through the development of electricity, roads, the provision of housing, employment, health, education, etc.

• Democracy helps in promoting equality among all the citizens of the country. All citizens have equal rights to opportunities and privileges within the country.

• In a Democracy, the Governments are accountable, legitimate, and responsive to the expectations and needs of the citizens.