Democracy and inclusivity: the political participation and representation of People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Africa

In an ideal liberal or representative democracy, the participation of every person in the democratic process is essential. Although prior research has examined political inclusion and exclusion from many perspectives within democracies, few studies have focused on the political involvement and representation of people living with disabilities (PLWDs) in Africa. This study addresses this deficiency. This study analysed the status of inclusivity in Africa, focussing on the political engagement and representation of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in the democratic process, as well as the factors influencing their inclusion or exclusion. The study employs an explanatory research design, utilising document and desk review/analysis with secondary data sources. The notion of political and democratic inclusion is utilised as an analytical framework. Research indicates that although numerous African nations have embraced various international and domestic laws safeguarding the political participation and representation rights of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), many have merely offered superficial compliance with these regulations. Consequently, the political engagement and representation of PLWDs remain inadequate, reflecting a state of democratic instability across the continent. Factors such as low educational attainment and pervasive negative attitudes towards PLWDs persistently obstruct their political involvement and representation in Africa. It states that Africa has not yet fulfilled the ideal of political and democratic inclusion regarding the substantial and unimpeded participation of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in the continent's political and electoral processes, which contributes to the democratic instability in the region.