The United States of America is threatening visa restrictions on African countries which tolerate or encourage election-related violence as a raft of countries head to the polls this year.
A statement signed by Mike Pompeo, the US Secretary of State, said: “The conduct of elections is important not only for Africans but also for defenders of democracy around the world.
“We will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process, and will not hesitate to consider consequences, including visa restrictions for those responsible for election-related violence.
“As long-time partners to the nations of Africa, we care about the region’s democratic trajectory and are committed to working constructively with international and regional partners,’’ the statement said.
Need for peace
Pompeo called on all stakeholders in upcoming elections on the African continent to do everything in their power to avoid violence.
“We believe all sides should participate peacefully in the democratic process. Repression and intimidation have no place in democracies,” the State Department statement said.
It observed that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and association are at the heart of a functioning democracy.
“Adherence to these democratic norms and to the rule of law allows all citizens to engage in political dialogue and support their choice of candidates, parties and platforms,’’ the statement said.
The United States says it is committed to supporting free, fair and inclusive elections on the African continent.
Upcoming elections
Nearly ten African countries, including Ghana, will be heading to the polls in the next five months to elect new leaders.
Millions of Africans will take part in elections between October and February 2021.
There will be presidential and parliamentary elections in Burkina Faso, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Seychelles, Tanzania and Togo.
Parliamentary elections will also take place in the Comoros, Egypt, Gabon, Liberia, Namibia, Senegal and Somalia.
Fred Dzakpata
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