Recent Study Highlights African Citizens' Attitudes Towards Government Accountability and Transparency
A recent study conducted by Afrobarometer, titled "Demanding More: Does Education Increase Public Support for Good Governance in Africa?", sheds light on the attitudes of African citizens, including those in Tunisia, towards government accountability and transparency. The results of this extensive survey, conducted between late 2021 and mid-2023 in 39 African countries, provide valuable insights into the demand for good governance on the continent.
Government Accountability
In terms of government accountability, which refers to citizens' ability to hold the government accountable, Tunisia shows a notable level of support. Across the 39 African countries studied, the average support for government-citizen accountability is 60%. Tunisia is above this average, with 68% of its respondents supporting political accountability. This figure places Tunisia among the countries where the demand for accountability is more pronounced, although other nations like Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, and Zambia record the highest levels.
Transparency of Public Information
Regarding the transparency of information held by public authorities, Tunisia is exactly at the continental average. While 55% of African citizens surveyed in the 39 countries support the disclosure of public sector information, Tunisia also records 55% support for transparency of information held by public authorities. Countries like Botswana and Madagascar show the highest levels of support, while Mauritania and Sudan have the lowest.
The Essential Influence of Education
The study's general findings highlight a significant link between education and support for good governance. The authors, Nnaemeka Ohamadike and Stuart Morrison, found that higher education and higher levels of national instruction are associated with increased support for good governance. Education is perceived as a factor that strengthens cognitive skills, critical thinking, and civic awareness, enabling individuals to demand better governance and engage more actively in the political process. More educated citizens are also more likely to be informed about the importance of good governance and more aware of corruption or government shortcomings.
