In a new global report on democracy, Africa accounts for 24 per cent of the countries making progress – most notably, Botswana and South Africa in credible elections. “Botswana and South Africa have both experienced consistent advances over the past five years in credible elections and, in 2024, held polls that resulted in historic changes,” according to authors of the report. Voters are proving that entrenched power can be challenged peacefully, and that credible elections remain the cornerstone of democracy in Africa. Observers credited Botswana with the largest improvement on the Credible Elections index between 2019 and 2024. The Credible Elections index measure fairness in registration, campaigning, voter access, intimidation and counting.