When it comes to election observation, there’s often one rule for the West and another for everybody else. But with a wave of democratic backsliding occurring around the world, now may be the time to disrupt the status quo and reimagine election observation missions. In our eighth episode with African Arguments, Ansbert Ngurumo (Journalist), Nic Cheeseman (University of Birmingham), and Jessica Moody (King’s College London) join Judd Devermont to discuss shifting electoral processes, election safety, and democracy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Guests also unpack the mounting suppression facing opposition parties and assess how this will affect upcoming presidential elections in Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire.  

Background Readings: 

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  Magafuli: An Epitome of Cowardice – Ansbert Ngurumo 


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  How to Rig an Election – Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas 


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  Ouattara's out, but whoever wins in Cote d'Ivoire, many won't be happy – Jessica Moody (African Arguments) 


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  How to hold elections safely and uphold democracy during Covid-19 – Nic Cheeseman (The Conversation) 


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  Africa Reacts to the First Presidential Debate and Trump’s Case of Covid-19 – CSIS