Politics & Governance / Domestic Politics / Democracy & Elections

Why East Africa's Election Management Bodies Are Failing (And What It Means for Democracy)

Accountable Government in Africa: Perspectives from public law and political studies

In this video, we dive deep into the critical role of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in East Africa and why they often fail to deliver free and fair elections. Drawing from the book *Accountable Government in Africa: Perspectives from public law and political studies*, we explore how colonial legacies, neopatrimonial networks, and weak judicial independence undermine electoral integrity. You'll learn about the 'concentric circles' of accountability—from constitutions to informal traditions—and why even advanced laws can't fix broken institutions. By the end, you'll understand the real barriers to democratic progress in the region and what needs to change. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in African politics, governance, or electoral reform.