What then is the future of Africa in terms of presidential term limits?
Sturman: Counting the cases, Africa seems to have taken two steps forward, then one step backward in the consolidation of democracy since the 1990s. Civil society will have to be nimble to keep up with changes. It’s all up to the civil society to decide whether they want to throw out the constitutional requirements or stamp their authority as people of a nation. They have to make it clear that the power is in their hands and that the leaders are their servants. News24: But what are some of the major reasons why leaders want to continue being in power? What’s the motivating factor? Sturman: I would say for most of them it is the fear that they will face prosecution for the crimes they commit during the time they are in office. And for some it is the element of egocentrism within them that tells them no one else can do a better job. By the way, this trend doesn’t only exist in Africa but the whole world. Remember in Australia John Howard refused to hand over to his deputy. It’s unfortuna
