Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has stressed that leaders who fail to deliver on their promises should be voted out of office if credible elections are conducted. He described electoral manipulation as one of the greatest threats to democracy on the African continent, warning that the practice undermines good governance and erodes citizens’ trust in leadership.
Jonathan made this known while speaking at a public forum on democracy and governance, where he urged African nations to strengthen their electoral systems to guarantee free, fair, and transparent polls. According to him, the survival of democracy in Africa depends on the ability of citizens to freely choose their leaders without fear of intimidation, manipulation, or rigging.
Electoral Manipulation, a Threat to Democracy
The former president cautioned that electoral malpractice remains a major challenge facing African countries, noting that the manipulation of votes not only denies citizens their rights but also fuels political instability, violence, and lack of development.
Jonathan said:
“A leader who fails to perform should be voted out of office through the ballot. But that can only happen when elections are credible, fair, and transparent. Electoral manipulation is one of the biggest threats to democracy in Africa.”
He stressed that until African countries deal decisively with vote-rigging, ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and falsification of results, the dream of consolidating democracy would remain elusive.
Call for Electoral Reforms
Jonathan, who is globally recognized for conceding defeat in the 2015 Nigerian presidential election, urged African leaders to embrace reforms that will strengthen the independence of electoral bodies, promote the use of technology in voting, and ensure accountability in the electoral process.
He argued that only through credible elections can competent leaders emerge, adding that citizens must be confident that their votes truly count.
Democracy and Accountability
Highlighting the importance of accountability in leadership, Jonathan explained that democracy thrives when leaders know they can be voted out for poor performance. This, he said, serves as a check against corruption, abuse of power, and neglect of citizens’ welfare.
He encouraged African citizens to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote, turning out on election days, and defending their votes peacefully.
Africa’s Democratic Future
The former Nigerian president, who has often been called upon to mediate electoral disputes across Africa, reaffirmed his belief that democracy remains the best form of government for the continent. However, he insisted that democracy must go beyond conducting elections to ensuring that the electoral process is fair, leaders are accountable, and citizens benefit from good governance.
Jonathan’s remarks come at a time when several African nations continue to grapple with electoral disputes, constitutional crises, and concerns about leadership legitimacy.
Conclusion
Goodluck Jonathan’s call for credible elections and accountability in leadership once again reinforces his reputation as a strong advocate of democracy in Africa. His warning against electoral manipulation serves as a reminder that for Africa to achieve political stability and sustainable development, its elections must reflect the will of the people.
