Democracy without election, is it possible in Africa? | Alphonse Muambi | TEDxGhent

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Alphonse Muambi will share his views on Western democracy. In recent history we have implemented a Western democratic system in several countries. Did it leave marks or scars? Many elections have led to violence. Is it time to try a different recipe? Muambi will broaden our views.
Dutch-Congolese opinion maker, mathematician and lobbyist
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@phumi16]

This video is interesting in that it brings the perspective of an intellectual man who as experienced both african and western democratic systems, something very few have experienced or have the knowledge to debate about

[@eduardoestellita]

Wow, this talk gave me goosebumps then and it still does: a powerful presence and a powerful argument!

[@firminl]

100%. Agree, look at how Great the UAE and Saudi are run, but sticking to their roots.

[@hildenordanglevik999]

I agree with this guy. And no, it has nothing to do with the capacity of particular cultures to be democratic, or violence or intellect, which I see that some people think. This is about addressing the fact that all major international organisations and aid institutions have the same perception of democracy: the Western democratic model is the only acceptable one. It is very interesting to see how the international leadership opinion changes with the public opinon of the Western society. In other words: what is Western is right. Basically, a minor portion of the world's population and their cultural values decide what's right and wrong on an international level. Is that fair? Is that right? And then, back to the question of elections in Africa. Elections was created for a society that had certain kinds of problems within a certain kind of philosophy as base of values. Elections were crafted to solve paticular problems in a paticular society. Why should not African countries deserve the same respect of creating their own path to democracy? A democracy that is contextualised and aimed at solving what is viewed as problems among their populations...

[@MegaKarume]

Very interesting talk. Thank you Mr. Muambi...

[@ike4football]

This guy raised very important points in his presentation. Well said ...........DE PAHAZ

[@Funandconsciousness]

Alphonse, you make many valid points. I enjoy your voice bravely suggesting that we look for more human, workable versions of "government".

[@rwegasiradonathan5998]

Great message

[@gka9147]

Nakubali nakubali

[@jiading9652]

Best video on Democratization of Africa ever watched

[@ZacharyLT]

your right

[@ludorfthigiipo3991]

i fully agree with this guy. But my question is, what will be the African democracy now? can be that one of the consensus or the European one?

[@social-mathematics]

The appropriate type of Government is the type that serves the society ,it fits to their mental progress and it supports this progress without barriers. Societies are like children, teenagers and adults. Children need Parents to look after them ( Monarchy ), After a while they advance and become teenagers. Teenagers need Parents but are more independed (Elected Oligarchs Government of the people, by the people, for the people). After a while they advance and become adults. Adults are independent (Democracy). Societies need their time to advance but soon or later it will happen.

[@ginethiopia5701]

What Alphonse is not taking into account is that western democracy was forced on almost all African countries before independence was granted by Europeans. He is also not taking into account that the state lines of African countries today were drawn by Europeans to serve Europeans and not Africans. Now you have a multitude of diverse ethnicities all grouped into one county each with it's own system of government. Another thing you have to consider is the fact that many Western nations will not fund African countries if there is no democracy, so they are continually enforcing a system of gov't that does not work for everybody.

[@k.ganesanganesan6825]

Democracy. Participation by public. No place for politicians.

[@KizaMagendane]

As the speaker says, it doesn't matter if he is right or wrong about the solution, the point remains: the western model of democracy doens't work in Africa for several reason. Take the African proverb: 'If you do not know where you are, go where you come from' and you will understand why he challanges African to think about alternatives. kwoing this will probably help you to understand the perspective in which the speaker is trying to make is point.

[@Funandconsciousness]

Even here in the US, there are plenty of problems with our version of democracy. Go Africa! Come up with a more human, workable form of government. You can AND WILL do so!

[@PJoriginal]

Doesn't The idea of having regional leaders take turns in becoming national leaders just put the problem down by one hierarchy?

[@eduardoestellita]

Good point. I don't think that he means it should stop one level down, but rather be a rotation at smaller levels as well. It's been proven by psychology that when you get to a representation of smaller regions, people behave more responsibly, because they can be held accountable by the community and voted out by the council in case of bad representation. The problem with representation of large groups, particularly in big cities, is that it allows for a great deal of anonimicity: people don't know where candidates come from and what their values are.

[@PJoriginal]

hmm.. I agree.. But suppose there are 26 small tribes (A,B,C,D,E.....) in a region called the Alphabet... If the representation is rotational, then the current representatives of most of these tribes may never get an opportunity to represent the Alphabet.. I think we would miss out on a lot of good leaders this way.. Don't get me wrong, I loved his idea.. I'm Just being critical on a discussion point of view..

[@shk00design]

The Dutch monarch like the Queen of England is a constitutional figurehead. He/she has no real political power, just a ceremonial role. Don't think freedom of expression without "free" elections applies to just Africa. In Hong Kong, people are talking about "Occupy Central" to pressure the government for 1-man, 1-vote in 2017. So far the Beijing government is not willing to do any more than pre-selecting 3 candidates to be sent to Hong Kong for people's final decisions.

[@Kevi_N.]

So in USA you don't vote for one of 2-3 pre-selected candidates ?

[@nduduzontuthukovundla4901]

Democracy in Africa is just a mere pronunciation, human rights are not protected at all.

[@hamsemohamed4534]

AFRICA NEED MORE LIKE SOMALILAND ELECTION 2017

[@peter-johndejong9880]

Africa's biggest issue is a lack of intellectual resources, high degree of illiteracy, code of ethics , integrity, and good governance principles.