List of African Countries with the Greatest Number of Politically Active Parties
In the political landscape of Africa, multi-party systems are becoming increasingly prevalent, fostering competition, power-sharing, and democratic growth. Here's a snapshot of some countries that have embraced this democratic evolution.
Gambia, once under the grip of a 22-year authoritarian rule, has made significant strides towards a functional multi-party system. In 2021, the country held elections that demonstrated the effectiveness of its multi-party system, with the United Democratic Party (UDP), the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), and Adama Barrow's National People's Party (NPP) dominating the political sphere. Gambia's Enhanced Political Party Index (ENPP) score of 4.8 reflects this transition.
Another African nation that operates under a multi-party system despite internal conflict and UN peacekeeping presence is the Central African Republic. With an ENPP score of 4.18, the country has shown resilience in maintaining a competitive electoral history.
Burkina Faso, despite recent instability and a coup in 2022, has managed to uphold its multi-party system. The West African nation boasts an ENPP score of 4.11, indicating a vibrant political landscape.
Liberia tops the list with the highest ENPP score of 6.44 in Africa. Post-war political changes have led to a diversified and active multi-party system in the country. The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), led by George Weah, defeated the Unity Party in 2017, but was defeated by Joseph Boakai in 2023. The legislative elections in Liberia are characterised by a broad mix of Independent MPs, shifting alliances, and minor parties, making majority control difficult.
Tanzania, with an ENPP score of 5.64, reveals an active opposition despite being one of Africa's longest-serving political parties. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi remains dominant, but parties like ACT-Wazalendo and CHADEMA are gaining substantial recognition, especially in urban areas and Zanzibar.
In Kenya, the 2022 elections saw William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza coalition defeat Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja. Kenya has an ENPP score of 5.11, showing a multi-party system controlled by ethnic-based coalitions and regions, with dominant political parties forming solely for elections and dissolving afterwards.
Benin, with an ENPP score of 4.66, remains competitive despite changes in the party registration and some exclusion of opposition parties. Despite the consolidation of parties under only two banners, legislative elections still see up to four parties holding a significant number of votes.
Morocco's political system operates under a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament, and has an ENPP score of 5.68. The National Party of Independent (RNI) defeated the long-ruling party, the Justice and Development Party (PJD), and coalition is standard due to less dominant political parties. This diversity promotes power-sharing arrangements, legislative compromise, and inter-party negotiations in Morocco.
The Comoros, with an ENPP score of 4.36, has a decentralized political party system with coalition dynamics due to island-based autonomy.
These examples demonstrate that Africa's political systems are evolving, with many countries embracing multi-party systems despite structural limits such as dominant parties, semi-presidential set-ups, and monarchy. This diversity not only promotes power-sharing arrangements but also fosters democratic growth on the continent.
