Introduction
Democracy, as famously defined by Abraham Lincoln, is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” This principle has long been upheld as the foundation of governance in the United States, where leaders are expected to represent the will of the people. However, over the years, democracy in America has shifted from this ideal to a system increasingly controlled by political elites, corporate interests, and partisan divisions.
This transformation is not unique to the United States. Across Africa, including in Sierra Leone, democracy faces similar challenges that threaten the people’s ability to choose their leaders and influence governance. As American democracy struggles with issues such as money in politics, voter suppression, and the erosion of democratic norms, African nations must take note. The lessons from the decline of democracy in the U.S. are both cautionary and instructive. While America once set the standard for democratic governance, its current struggles serve as a warning for nations still striving to solidify their democratic foundations.
Understanding the changing landscape of democracy in the United States is crucial for African nations. Sierra Leone and the rest of the continent must examine the factors that have weakened American democracy and take proactive steps to avoid falling into the same patterns. The growing influence of money in politics, voter suppression, political polarization, and attacks on democratic institutions all present serious threats to the survival of democracy. If African leaders and citizens do not act now, their democratic aspirations could suffer the same fate as America’s declining democratic principles.
The Rise of Political Elitism and the Corrupting Influence of Money
One of the most alarming trends in American democracy is the growing influence of money in politics. The 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC opened the door for unlimited corporate spending in elections, allowing the wealthy elite to shape policies in their favor. Today, politicians in the U.S. rely heavily on large donors and corporate sponsorships, often prioritizing the interests of their financial backers over the needs of ordinary citizens.
This shift has effectively turned democracy into a system where the highest bidders control governance, rather than the electorate. The consequences are clear: policies that benefit corporations and the wealthy take precedence over crucial issues like healthcare, education, and social justice. The voices of ordinary Americans are drowned out by the financial power of a privileged few.
Sierra Leone and other African nations must not allow their democracies to be hijacked in the same manner. The growing trend of political financing by business elites and foreign entities in Africa is a warning sign that democracy is at risk of being sold to the highest bidder. Without strict campaign finance laws and greater transparency in political funding, Africa could soon find itself trapped in the same cycle of elitist governance that has weakened American democracy. If money, rather than the people, determines who holds power, then democracy ceases to exist in its true form.
Voter Suppression and Electoral Manipulation: The Threat to Free and Fair Elections
Another significant threat to democracy in the U.S. is the increasing use of voter suppression tactics. While democracy thrives on the principle of equal participation, efforts to limit voter access have become more prevalent, particularly targeting marginalized communities. Strict voter ID laws, gerrymandering, purging of voter rolls, and limitations on early voting have all been used to restrict voting rights, disproportionately affecting minority groups, low-income voters, and the youth. These tactics serve only to entrench those already in power, ensuring that elections favor certain political interests rather than reflecting the true will of the people.
African nations must be vigilant against similar forms of electoral manipulation. While voter suppression in Africa often takes different forms—such as voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and political violence—the underlying goal remains the same: to limit the ability of citizens to freely choose their leaders. In Sierra Leone, concerns over the independence of electoral bodies and the fairness of election processes must be addressed before they escalate into full-scale democratic failures. If elections are not free and fair, then democracy is nothing more than an illusion.
Ensuring electoral integrity requires strong and independent electoral commissions, transparent voting processes, and strict enforcement of election laws. African nations cannot afford to ignore these warnings from the U.S. If they do, democracy will become a system that merely legitimizes those in power rather than serving as a true reflection of the people’s will.
The Dangers of Political Polarization and Governance Paralysis
Beyond the issues of money in politics and voter suppression, democracy in the U.S. has been further weakened by extreme political polarization. The deepening divide between political parties has led to legislative gridlock, making it nearly impossible for the government to function effectively. Rather than working towards bipartisan solutions that benefit all citizens, American politicians are often more focused on obstructing their opponents than on addressing critical national issues.
This inability to govern effectively has led to government shutdowns, policy failures, and public disillusionment with the political system. When democracy is reduced to a battleground of political rivalry rather than a means to serve the people, its very purpose is undermined. The result is a disengaged and frustrated electorate, further weakening democratic participation.
African nations, including Sierra Leone, must take note. Political divisions should never be allowed to paralyze governance or undermine national unity. Too often, African politics is driven by ethnic, regional, or party-based loyalties, making governance more about power struggles than national development. The lesson from America is clear: when politics becomes more about defeating opponents than about serving the people, democracy suffers. Leaders must rise above partisan conflicts and focus on governance that prioritizes the needs of the citizens. Otherwise, democracy will become a mere tool for maintaining power rather than a mechanism for national progress.
The Erosion of Democratic Institutions and Public Trust
Perhaps the most dangerous trend in American democracy today is the deliberate erosion of democratic institutions. From attacks on the judiciary to misinformation campaigns and the undermining of electoral results, these actions weaken the very foundation of democracy. The events of January 6, 2021, when the U.S. Capitol was stormed by political extremists, served as a stark reminder of how fragile democracy can be when institutions are undermined.
Sierra Leone and the rest of Africa must not ignore these warning signs. The independence of the judiciary, the protection of press freedom, and the strengthening of civil society are essential to maintaining a functional democracy. Once these institutions are compromised, the road to authoritarianism becomes inevitable. In many African countries, including Sierra Leone, democratic institutions are often weakened by political interference, corruption, and suppression of dissent. If these trends continue, democracy will be nothing more than a symbolic concept, with real power remaining in the hands of a few.
To prevent this, African nations must reinforce institutional independence, promote accountability, and safeguard the rule of law. A democracy without strong institutions is like a house built on sand—it will inevitably collapse under pressure.
Conclusion
The changing landscape of democracy in the U.S. provides critical lessons for Sierra Leone and the rest of Africa. The rise of political elitism, voter suppression, extreme polarization, and attacks on democratic institutions are all warning signs that must not be ignored. Democracy is not self-sustaining; it requires constant vigilance, reform, and active citizen participation.
If African nations do not take proactive steps to protect their democratic systems, they risk falling into the same patterns of dysfunction that have weakened American democracy. The people, not political elites, must remain at the center of governance. If democracy is to survive and thrive in Africa, leaders must prioritize electoral integrity, strengthen democratic institutions, and resist the corrupting influence of money in politics. Otherwise, they will find themselves not in a democracy, but in a system where power belongs to the few at the expense of the many.
