One of the key objectives of colonialism was to violently disrupt and exterminate indigenous governance systems in Africa and replace them with European models of governance. The purported endgame was to take Africa into “civilization”. However, the intention was to force Africans to completely lose faith in their being: their culture, values, language, capabilities, and governance systems. Indeed, Africans ceased to believe in themselves. It is in this context that, at independence, African states generally embraced imported governance systems. The advent of Structural Adjustment Programmes witnessed the deepening of governance approaches that are inherently inimical to African unity and progress. With the benefit of hindsight, these systems make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for African countries to unite, trade with each other, benefit from their natural resources, and prosper. Essentially, they are imperial instruments that are used to perpetually interfere in Africa’s internal affairs, protect colonial injustices, and continue with the exploitation of Africa’s resources under the guise of promoting development, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, equality, and good governance.

Models of governance are not cast in stone; they evolve as society evolves. Societies are bound to face new challenges, some of which cannot be dealt with using existing models of governance. This is why, from time to time, societies must redesign their models of governance to enable them to deal with (emerging) challenges and take advantage of (emerging) opportunities. While it is important for societies to establish governance systems that are consistent with universally accepted values, it is equally important to acknowledge that societies are inherently peculiar. Societies must therefore choose governance systems that are rooted in their culture, beliefs, values, and other contextual peculiarities. Societies have the right to use governance systems that work for them. While societies must learn from each other, the lessons must be accustomed to the local context, and not supplant it. It is therefore vitally important for Africa to start thinking about alternative models of governance that can deliver unity, peace, security, and development. This is only possible if these governance systems are able to reduce polarisation and repudiate imperial interference. The Alternative Ways of Governance Project explores governance models, especially electoral, that work for Africa at both national and local levels.