The role of religion in electoral voting in Africa:

Uganda, Central African Republic, Nigeria

Abstract

The study seeks to examine the role of religion and its impact on electoral voting in Africa. While many countries, especially in the West, have separated religious boundaries from political boundaries through secularism and democratic protection, religion continues to play significant roles in all aspects of life, particularly in politics, in the African continent. The study presents three models and cases covering various regions of the African continent. For instance, Uganda in East Africa, where religion holds a special place and is considered the fundamental basis upon which political life is built. However, religious leaders no longer solely control electoral voting but also announce and monitor electoral results. The study also presents a model from the Central African Republic, showing how conflict, primarily political, is exploited through religion for resolution. Furthermore, the study discusses a case from the West of the continent, Nigeria, where religion forms the basis of all social, economic, and political practices, significantly influencing and determining the electoral voting process. The study concludes by presenting a set of results and interpretations regarding the facilitating factors of religion and its impact on electoral voting, culminating in a conclusion.