The role of freedom of communication in modulating the effect of political participation on electoral outcome in Africa

Abstract

This study assesses the role of freedom of communication in modulating the effect of political participation on electoral outcomes in Africa since the turn of the 21st century. The freedom of communication is proxied in terms of freedom of academics and cultural expression, freedom of speech, the freedom to express one's opinion, and men's and women's freedom of communication. After adopting robust cross‐sectional dependence estimates of the Driscoll/Kraay strategy, the findings reveal that freedom of communication is essential for a free and fair electoral process. Similarly, the findings depict that political participation increases the probability of a fair election process and outcomes in Africa. The study recommends that African countries' design platforms in their respective legislations that ensure freedom of speech and expression, and political inclusion with the open debate concerning governance to promote free and fair consistent elections that respect human rights and ensure political stability.Related ArticlesKim, Eun Kyung. 2019. “Issue Ownership and Strategic Policy Choice in Multiparty Africa.” Politics & Policy 47(5): 956–83. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12327.Nchofoung, Tii, Simplice Asongu, Vanessa Tchamyou, and Ofeh Edoh. 2022. “Gender, Political Inclusion, and Democracy in Africa: Some Empirical Evidence.” Politics & Policy 51(1): 137–55. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12505.Stockemer, Daniel, and Stephanie Parent. 2014. “The Inequality Turnout Nexus: New Evidence from Presidential Elections.” Politics & Policy 42(2): 221–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12067.