Effectiveness of African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance in Rwanda and Uganda

Peaceful, credible, consensual change of power through democratic practices is considered a factor in sustainable peace and development of countries globally and in Africa. The promotion of democracy, election, and governance in Africa has been suffering from different problems, particularly those related to the non-consensual change of constitution and unconstitutional change of government (s). Problems related to this are due to some leaders who do commit themselves to the effective implementation of some continental instruments, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG). The study interest was looking at the weaknesses of the ACDEG while identifying the electoral democracy practices in Rwanda and Uganda in view of the ACDEG. The study used an explorative approach in order to discuss the weaknesses and the effectiveness of the aforementioned instrument toward electoral democracy in Rwanda and Uganda. The study used the documentary analysis technique in order to analyse the collected data. The analysis showed that provisions of the ACDEG are not respected in some countries. Rwanda and Uganda do not comply with the electoral democratic practices provided by ACDEG due to their historical background and due to some weaknesses identified in the instrument. To this end, the study proposed solutions including the empowering of ACDEG by ratifying and implementing it. By considering the historical contexts of some countries, the study suggested that political succession as a democratic practise should be given its value. It means that principles in the instrument should be effective from the time countries have signed and ratified it.