Africa’s political institutions keep changing, with significant wins in favor of limiting the state’s control over citizens. However, numerous African countries continue to have trouble institutionalizing and deepening democracy through elections. All over the continent, government abuse and impunity are still common. Reforming electoral structures may offer African countries some hope.

Akintunde Babatunde is the Deputy Director of Development, Practice, Policy, and Research at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development. His research and policy interest is in projects related to human development, agriculture, climate change, conflict, security, and transitional justice. He is the founder of Vantage Network Africa, a Chevening Scholarship alumnus, and a Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus. He has a graduate degree in media practice for development and social change, as well as a specialization in Civic engagement. He has extensive knowledge in public policy, civic technology, and media innovation.

Linda Kavuka is the Director of African Programs at Students For Liberty International; Managing Director of African Liberty and she is a Trade Policy fellow at the Consumer Choice Center. Linda holds a Masters in International Trade Law (LLM) from the University of Aberdeen, a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of Nairobi. Linda is an International Trade Lawyer, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a Frederic Bastiat Fellow at the Mercatus Center, George Mason University, and an alumnus of the Atlas Network’s Smith Fellowship.