{"id":243,"date":"2024-09-09T13:01:22","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T13:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/?page_id=243"},"modified":"2026-04-09T12:04:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:04:08","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-group hero research has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained has-background\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);background-image:url(&#039;https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/shapes-tile-yellow.svg&#039;);background-position:100% 100%;background-size:cover;\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-tertiary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0c44ffb429287fcdce57b7a4c133cb27\">Research<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"691\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/research-hero-1024x691.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-279\" style=\"width:441px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/research-hero-1024x691.webp 1024w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/research-hero-300x202.webp 300w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/research-hero-768x518.webp 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/research-hero-1536x1036.webp 1536w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/research-hero-2048x1381.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"2024-PEA-SADC\" class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">AHEAD Africa will build its evidence base and support advocacy efforts through the production of<strong> <span class=\"highlight-text\">long and short publications.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"coming-soon-divider wp-block-tn-section-divider\" style=\"background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--link);\">\n          <div \n        style=\"fill: var(--wp--preset--color--tertiary-alt);\" \n        class=\"svg-wrapper\"\n        data-flip-x=\"false\"\n        data-flip-y=\"false\"\n      >\n        <svg viewBox=\"0 0 1449 74\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\" xml:space=\"preserve\" style=\"fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-miterlimit:2\"><g transform=\"scale(1 1.03736)\"><path d=\"M266 70 1449 0v91H0V0l266 70Z\" style=\"fill-rule:nonzero\" transform=\"scale(1 .96399)\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>      <\/div>\n    \n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large shape animate-slide-from-right\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"208\" height=\"252\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Polygon-1.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-251\"\/><\/figure>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-group coming-soon advocacy has-tertiary-alt-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-3da4b69\" id=\"strong-publications-strong\" data-block-id=\"3da4b69\"><style>.stk-3da4b69 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-align-center\"><strong>Publications<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3e58e6a1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-05b2bd9 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"05b2bd9\"><style>.stk-05b2bd9 {background-color:var(--clr-tertiary-alt) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:80px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:80px !important;margin-top:-10px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-05b2bd9:before{background-color:var(--clr-tertiary-alt) !important;}.stk-05b2bd9-column{--stk-columns-spacing:20px !important;--stk-column-gap:5px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-05b2bd9-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-27c258b\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"27c258b\"><style>.stk-27c258b:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-27c258b {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-27c258b-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-27c258b-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image has-text-align-right stk-block stk-407b330\" data-block-id=\"407b330\"><style>.stk-407b330 {border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;right:10px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-407b330 .stk-img-wrapper{width:13% !important;}<\/style><figure><a class=\"stk-link\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/citizen-election-observers-in-an-era-of-global-autocratisation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-10648\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Democratic shockwaves in Southern Africa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1638x2048.png 1638w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-10x12.png 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/span><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-2ee1f6c\" data-block-id=\"2ee1f6c\"><style>.stk-2ee1f6c {top:-35px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-2ee1f6c-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-838a985 stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"838a985\"><style>.stk-838a985 {background-image:url(https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/President_Patrice_Talon.jpg) !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px #123f524d !important;}.stk-838a985:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.6 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-838a985-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-838a985-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-36cddb0\" data-block-id=\"36cddb0\"><style>.stk-36cddb0 {padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><span style=\"color: #fffffe;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Report<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-4b30131\" data-block-id=\"4b30131\"><style>.stk-4b30131 {margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}.stk-4b30131 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--clr-background) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\"><span style=\"color: var(--clr-tertiary);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Democracy Reporting International<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-659e4b17918b0f46ac53b90bee6557fc\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);line-height:1.3\"><strong>Benin electoral integrity assessment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-cde3da6\" data-block-id=\"cde3da6\"><style>.stk-cde3da6 {height:70px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-708ecaf\" data-block-id=\"708ecaf\"><style>.stk-708ecaf {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:-15px !important;}.stk-708ecaf .stk-block-text__text{color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">09.04.2026<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-fc9269a\" data-block-id=\"fc9269a\"><style>.stk-fc9269a {height:30px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-3961ec6\" data-block-id=\"3961ec6\"><style>.stk-3961ec6 {padding-bottom:5px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-478429d\" data-block-id=\"478429d\"><style>.stk-478429d .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:7px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:7px !important;padding-left:15px !important;background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;border-top-left-radius:50px !important;border-top-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:50px !important;}.stk-478429d .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--clr-tertiary-alt) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-478429d .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}.stk-478429d .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/democracy-reporting.org\/en\/office\/global\/publications\/benins-2026-elections-a-test-for-democracy-in-west-africa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/democracy-reporting.org\/en\/office\/global\/publications\/benins-2026-elections-a-test-for-democracy-in-west-africa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/democracy-reporting.org\/en\/office\/global\/publications\/benins-2026-elections-a-test-for-democracy-in-west-africa\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-0396d97\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"0396d97\"><style>.stk-0396d97:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-0396d97 {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-0396d97-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-0396d97-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image has-text-align-right stk-block stk-79ddc8f\" data-block-id=\"79ddc8f\"><style>.stk-79ddc8f {border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;right:10px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-79ddc8f .stk-img-wrapper{width:13% !important;}<\/style><figure><a class=\"stk-link\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/citizen-election-observers-in-an-era-of-global-autocratisation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-10648\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Democratic shockwaves in Southern Africa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1638x2048.png 1638w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-10x12.png 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/span><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-0e28fe1\" data-block-id=\"0e28fe1\"><style>.stk-0e28fe1 {top:-35px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-0e28fe1-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-4f9becc stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"4f9becc\"><style>.stk-4f9becc {background-image:url(https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Citizen-Election-Observers-in-an-Era-of-Global-Autocratisation.jpg) !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px #123f524d !important;}.stk-4f9becc:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.6 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-4f9becc-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-4f9becc-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8535ba3\" data-block-id=\"8535ba3\"><style>.stk-8535ba3 {padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><span style=\"color: #fffffe;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Spotlight<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-6bb8aab\" data-block-id=\"6bb8aab\"><style>.stk-6bb8aab {margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}.stk-6bb8aab .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--clr-background) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\"><span style=\"color: var(--clr-tertiary);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Rebecca Wagner<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32d63fe2ed185f496ef256cfeacbdbc2\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);line-height:1.3\"><strong>Citizen Election Observers in an Era of Global Autocratisation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-a7dc3e4\" data-block-id=\"a7dc3e4\"><style>.stk-a7dc3e4 {height:47px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-5e31fa8\" data-block-id=\"5e31fa8\"><style>.stk-5e31fa8 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:-15px !important;}.stk-5e31fa8 .stk-block-text__text{color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">05.03.2026<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-1521043\" data-block-id=\"1521043\"><style>.stk-1521043 {height:30px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-c4c4548\" data-block-id=\"c4c4548\"><style>.stk-c4c4548 {padding-bottom:5px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-c644575\" data-block-id=\"c644575\"><style>.stk-c644575 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:7px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:7px !important;padding-left:15px !important;background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;border-top-left-radius:50px !important;border-top-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:50px !important;}.stk-c644575 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--clr-tertiary-alt) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-c644575 .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}.stk-c644575 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/citizen-election-observers-in-an-era-of-global-autocratisation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/citizen-election-observers-in-an-era-of-global-autocratisation\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/citizen-election-observers-in-an-era-of-global-autocratisation\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f9d4dc4\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f9d4dc4\"><style>.stk-f9d4dc4:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-f9d4dc4 {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f9d4dc4-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f9d4dc4-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image has-text-align-right stk-block stk-f13b422\" data-block-id=\"f13b422\"><style>.stk-f13b422 {border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;right:10px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-f13b422 .stk-img-wrapper{width:13% !important;}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-10648\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Democratic shockwaves in Southern Africa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1638x2048.png 1638w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-10x12.png 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-02de15e\" data-block-id=\"02de15e\"><style>.stk-02de15e {top:-35px !important;z-index:-10 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-02de15e-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1dfdf9c stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1dfdf9c\"><style>.stk-1dfdf9c {background-image:url(https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ESN-SA-Gender-Checklist-in-SADC.jpg) !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px #123f524d !important;}.stk-1dfdf9c:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.6 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1dfdf9c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1dfdf9c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-98f2ed3\" data-block-id=\"98f2ed3\"><style>.stk-98f2ed3 {padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><span style=\"color: #fffffe;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Assessment tool<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-89b1c7b\" data-block-id=\"89b1c7b\"><style>.stk-89b1c7b {margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}.stk-89b1c7b .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">ESN-SA<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-95fc624e8a6de6cf253ee9ce5ff1e767\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);line-height:1.3\"><strong>Gender Checklist for Free and Credible Elections in SADC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-b2cf127\" data-block-id=\"b2cf127\"><style>.stk-b2cf127 {height:71px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-af1bf7b\" data-block-id=\"af1bf7b\"><style>.stk-af1bf7b {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:-15px !important;}.stk-af1bf7b .stk-block-text__text{color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">06.11.2025<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-a28b375\" data-block-id=\"a28b375\"><style>.stk-a28b375 {height:30px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-79406c4\" data-block-id=\"79406c4\"><style>.stk-79406c4 {padding-bottom:5px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-0cc0ec8\" data-block-id=\"0cc0ec8\"><style>.stk-0cc0ec8 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:7px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:7px !important;padding-left:15px !important;background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;border-top-left-radius:50px !important;border-top-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:50px !important;}.stk-0cc0ec8 .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esn-sa.org\/gender-checklist-for-free-and-credible-elections-in-sadc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/democratic-shockwaves-in-southern-africa\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esn-sa.org\/gender-checklist-for-free-and-credible-elections-in-sadc\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e03dc21\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e03dc21\"><style>.stk-e03dc21:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-e03dc21 {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e03dc21-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e03dc21-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image has-text-align-right stk-block stk-b560049\" data-block-id=\"b560049\"><style>.stk-b560049 {border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;right:10px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-b560049 .stk-img-wrapper{width:13% !important;}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-10648\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Democratic shockwaves in Southern Africa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1638x2048.png 1638w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-10x12.png 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-a3ce627\" data-block-id=\"a3ce627\"><style>.stk-a3ce627 {top:-35px !important;z-index:-10 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-a3ce627-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-42a5187 stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"42a5187\"><style>.stk-42a5187 {background-image:url(https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Democratic-Shockwaves-in-Southern-Africa-1.jpg) !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px #123f524d !important;}.stk-42a5187:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.6 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-42a5187-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-42a5187-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-6c9a570\" data-block-id=\"6c9a570\"><style>.stk-6c9a570 {padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><span style=\"color: #fffffe;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Spotlight<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-3ab19bb\" data-block-id=\"3ab19bb\"><style>.stk-3ab19bb {margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}.stk-3ab19bb .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Dr Nicole Beardsworth<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6e52c4738538e7098e00da2439d52e42\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);line-height:1.3\"><strong>Democratic Shockwaves in Southern Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-3ba4527\" data-block-id=\"3ba4527\"><style>.stk-3ba4527 {height:71px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c13c859\" data-block-id=\"c13c859\"><style>.stk-c13c859 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:-15px !important;}.stk-c13c859 .stk-block-text__text{color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">28.10.2025<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-3b1e8e7\" data-block-id=\"3b1e8e7\"><style>.stk-3b1e8e7 {height:30px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-aeb4cae\" data-block-id=\"aeb4cae\"><style>.stk-aeb4cae {padding-bottom:5px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-bb6052a\" data-block-id=\"bb6052a\"><style>.stk-bb6052a .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:7px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:7px !important;padding-left:15px !important;background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;border-top-left-radius:50px !important;border-top-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:50px !important;}.stk-bb6052a .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/democratic-shockwaves-in-southern-africa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/democratic-shockwaves-in-southern-africa\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/democratic-shockwaves-in-southern-africa\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-ebc1815 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"ebc1815\"><style>.stk-ebc1815 {background-color:var(--clr-tertiary-alt) !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:80px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:80px !important;margin-top:-10px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}.stk-ebc1815:before{background-color:var(--clr-tertiary-alt) !important;}.stk-ebc1815-column{--stk-columns-spacing:20px !important;--stk-column-gap:5px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-ebc1815-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1bed2bf\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1bed2bf\"><style>.stk-1bed2bf:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-1bed2bf {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1bed2bf-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1bed2bf-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image has-text-align-right stk-block stk-495b2e6\" data-block-id=\"495b2e6\"><style>.stk-495b2e6 {border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;right:10px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-495b2e6 .stk-img-wrapper{width:13% !important;}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-10648\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Democratic shockwaves in Southern Africa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1638x2048.png 1638w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-10x12.png 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-3383f73\" data-block-id=\"3383f73\"><style>.stk-3383f73 {top:-35px !important;z-index:-10 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-3383f73-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-88e4566 stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"88e4566\"><style>.stk-88e4566 {background-image:url(https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-scaled.jpg) !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px #123f524d !important;}.stk-88e4566:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.6 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-88e4566-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-88e4566-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-20e6c34\" data-block-id=\"20e6c34\"><style>.stk-20e6c34 {padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><span style=\"color: #fffffe;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Academic article<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9d2d765\" data-block-id=\"9d2d765\"><style>.stk-9d2d765 {margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}.stk-9d2d765 .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">Andrew Songa and Makda Tessema<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c1e7994c5cb9c38a2e17e5d444590a86\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);line-height:1.3\"><strong>Strengthening Democratic Governance in Africa through ACDEG Reporting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-11c8f18\" data-block-id=\"11c8f18\"><style>.stk-11c8f18 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:-15px !important;}.stk-11c8f18 .stk-block-text__text{color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">13.02.2025<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-2068411\" data-block-id=\"2068411\"><style>.stk-2068411 {height:30px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-33c0eab\" data-block-id=\"33c0eab\"><style>.stk-33c0eab {padding-bottom:5px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-41f76c4\" data-block-id=\"41f76c4\"><style>.stk-41f76c4 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:7px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:7px !important;padding-left:15px !important;background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;border-top-left-radius:50px !important;border-top-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:50px !important;}.stk-41f76c4 .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ahry.up.ac.za\/en\/songa-a-tessema-mm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ahry.up.ac.za\/en\/songa-a-tessema-mm\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ahry.up.ac.za\/en\/songa-a-tessema-mm\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d2fa8a8\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d2fa8a8\"><style>.stk-d2fa8a8:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-d2fa8a8 {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d2fa8a8-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d2fa8a8-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image has-text-align-right stk-block stk-ddeadeb\" data-block-id=\"ddeadeb\"><style>.stk-ddeadeb {border-top-left-radius:0px !important;border-top-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:0px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:0px !important;overflow:hidden !important;padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;right:10px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-ddeadeb .stk-img-wrapper{width:13% !important;}<\/style><figure><a class=\"stk-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esn-sa.org\/2024-in-retrospect-political-economy-analysis-of-2024-national-elections-in-sadc-region\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-10648\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2560\" alt=\"Democratic shockwaves in Southern Africa\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1229x1536.png 1229w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-1638x2048.png 1638w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AA-x-EDH-Spotlight-Content-1-10x12.png 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/span><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-6579b48\" data-block-id=\"6579b48\"><style>.stk-6579b48 {top:-35px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-6579b48-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-3597095 stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"3597095\"><style>.stk-3597095 {background-image:url(https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Botswana-2024-elections-4.jpg) !important;border-top-left-radius:10px !important;border-top-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:10px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:10px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px #123f524d !important;}.stk-3597095:before{background-color:#000000 !important;opacity:0.6 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-3597095-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3597095-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-aa7c2c9\" data-block-id=\"aa7c2c9\"><style>.stk-aa7c2c9 {padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:15px !important;margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><span style=\"color: #fffffe;\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Political Economy Analysis<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-b07e9ea\" data-block-id=\"b07e9ea\"><style>.stk-b07e9ea {margin-top:15px !important;margin-bottom:-10px !important;}.stk-b07e9ea .stk-block-text__text{color:var(--clr-background) !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\"><span style=\"color: var(--clr-tertiary);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">ESN-SA<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90ef815399e9b173ebbf405ab7542822\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);line-height:1.3\"><strong>2024 National Elections in SADC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-1246f3d\" data-block-id=\"1246f3d\"><style>.stk-1246f3d {height:70px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-bc759b2\" data-block-id=\"bc759b2\"><style>.stk-bc759b2 {padding-top:15px !important;padding-right:0px !important;margin-bottom:-15px !important;}.stk-bc759b2 .stk-block-text__text{color:#fffffe !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color\">25.01.2025<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-bfdb1bb\" data-block-id=\"bfdb1bb\"><style>.stk-bfdb1bb {height:30px !important;}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-b5440c4\" data-block-id=\"b5440c4\"><style>.stk-b5440c4 {padding-bottom:5px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-b2aeda2\" data-block-id=\"b2aeda2\"><style>.stk-b2aeda2 .stk-button{min-height:0px !important;padding-top:7px !important;padding-right:15px !important;padding-bottom:7px !important;padding-left:15px !important;background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;border-top-left-radius:50px !important;border-top-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:50px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:50px !important;}.stk-b2aeda2 .stk-button:hover:after{background:var(--clr-tertiary-alt) !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-b2aeda2 .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}.stk-b2aeda2 .stk-button:hover .stk-button__inner-text{color:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esn-sa.org\/2024-in-retrospect-political-economy-analysis-of-2024-national-elections-in-sadc-region\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"has-text-color stk-button__inner-text\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/www.esn-sa.org\/2024-in-retrospect-political-economy-analysis-of-2024-national-elections-in-sadc-region\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-069df1d\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"069df1d\"><style>.stk-069df1d:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-069df1d {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-069df1d-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-069df1d-inner-blocks\"><\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/democratic-shockwaves-in-southern-africa\/\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-afd499a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"afd499a\"><style>.stk-afd499a:hover{bottom:4px !important;}.stk-afd499a {bottom:0 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-afd499a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-afd499a-inner-blocks\"><\/div><a class=\"stk-link stk-block-link stk--transparent-overlay\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ahry.up.ac.za\/en\/songa-a-tessema-mm\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk--hide-mobile stk-block stk-dd4565a\" data-block-id=\"dd4565a\"><style>.stk-dd4565a {padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:100px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:100px !important;margin-bottom:-20px !important;z-index:1 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-dd4565a-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a0530a3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a0530a3\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a0530a3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a0530a3-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-33a4fa4 is-style-plain\" data-block-id=\"33a4fa4\"><style>.stk-33a4fa4 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:#dfdad1 !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d3ea904 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d3ea904\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d3ea904-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d3ea904-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-6fe1a0c\" data-block-id=\"6fe1a0c\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-ddd088b\" id=\"what-is-span-style-color-var-clr-text-class-stk-highlight-a-strong-spotlight-strong-span\" data-block-id=\"ddd088b\"><style>.stk-ddd088b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-ddd088b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">What is <span style=\"color: var(--clr-text);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">a <strong>spotlight<\/strong>?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-52801a8\" data-block-id=\"52801a8\"><style>.stk-52801a8 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-52801a8 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-52801a8\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-52801-a-8-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-52801-a-8-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-797adb4 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"797adb4\"><style>.stk-797adb4-container{padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-797adb4-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-797adb4-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-343bf02\" data-block-id=\"343bf02\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Spotlights are research pieces that delve into the details of specific country scenarios or salient thematic issues. From these analyses, they extrapolate conclusions relevant to the wider international community and democracy support more broadly. (\u22482500 words).<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-1b8466b\" data-block-id=\"1b8466b\"><style>.stk-1b8466b hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;width:100% !important;}.stk-1b8466b {margin-top:-10px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk--hide-mobile stk-block stk-1db1bd8\" data-block-id=\"1db1bd8\"><style>.stk-1db1bd8 {padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:100px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:100px !important;margin-top:-40px !important;margin-bottom:-20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-1db1bd8-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-33b728a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"33b728a\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-33b728a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-33b728a-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-e80f802 is-style-plain\" data-block-id=\"e80f802\"><style>.stk-e80f802 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:#dfdad1 !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-d1a1070 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"d1a1070\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-d1a1070-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-d1a1070-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-cfd5243\" data-block-id=\"cfd5243\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-365e067\" id=\"wh-span-style-color-var-clr-text-class-stk-highlight-at-is-a-strong-political-economy-analysis-strong-span\" data-block-id=\"365e067\"><style>.stk-365e067 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-365e067 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Wh<span style=\"color: var(--clr-text);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">at is a <strong>Political Economy Analysis<\/strong>?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-231d89e\" data-block-id=\"231d89e\"><style>.stk-231d89e .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-231d89e .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-231d89e\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-231-d-89-e-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-231-d-89-e-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-5b36385 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"5b36385\"><style>.stk-5b36385-container{padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-5b36385-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-5b36385-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-28139b7\" data-block-id=\"28139b7\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">A Political Economy Analysis (PEA) is a research piece that examines how political, economic, and social factors interact to shape decision-making, resource allocation, and power dynamics in a specific context. It goes beyond formal rules and policies to explore who holds influence, what motivates different actors, and how historical and structural factors affect outcomes.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-1f1bf1c\" data-block-id=\"1f1bf1c\"><style>.stk-1f1bf1c hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;width:100% !important;}.stk-1f1bf1c {margin-top:-10px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk--hide-desktop stk--hide-tablet stk-block stk-0b2708d\" data-block-id=\"0b2708d\"><style>.stk-0b2708d {padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:50px !important;padding-bottom:30px !important;padding-left:50px !important;margin-bottom:-20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-0b2708d-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-067f705\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"067f705\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-067f705-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-067f705-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-0992305 is-style-plain\" data-block-id=\"0992305\"><style>.stk-0992305 {border-style:solid !important;border-color:#dfdad1 !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;padding-bottom:10px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e42a913 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e42a913\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e42a913-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e42a913-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-9929224\" data-block-id=\"9929224\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2667ddf\" id=\"what-is-span-style-color-var-clr-text-class-stk-highlight-a-strong-spotlight-strong-span\" data-block-id=\"2667ddf\"><style>.stk-2667ddf .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-2667ddf .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">What is <span style=\"color: var(--clr-text);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">a <strong>spotlight<\/strong>?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-ad98176\" data-block-id=\"ad98176\"><style>.stk-ad98176 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-ad98176 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-ad98176\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ad-98176-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-ad-98176-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-77d25f5 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"77d25f5\"><style>.stk-77d25f5 {margin-bottom:15px !important;}.stk-77d25f5-container{padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-77d25f5-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-77d25f5-inner-blocks\">\n<p>Spotlights are research pieces that delve into the details of specific country scenarios or salient thematic issues. From these analyses, they extrapolate conclusions relevant to the wider international community and democracy support more broadly. (\u22482500 words).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-ca38093\" data-block-id=\"ca38093\"><style>.stk-ca38093 hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;width:100% !important;}.stk-ca38093 {padding-bottom:0px !important;margin-top:-10px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk--hide-desktop stk--hide-tablet stk-block stk-e40d939\" data-block-id=\"e40d939\"><style>.stk-e40d939 {padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:50px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:50px !important;margin-top:-30px !important;margin-bottom:-20px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-e40d939-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a942e8a\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a942e8a\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a942e8a-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a942e8a-inner-blocks\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-stackable-accordion stk-block-accordion stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-block stk-e2e9d4f is-style-plain\" data-block-id=\"e2e9d4f\"><style>.stk-e2e9d4f {border-style:solid !important;border-color:#dfdad1 !important;border-top-width:0px !important;border-right-width:0px !important;border-bottom-width:0px !important;border-left-width:0px !important;margin-bottom:10px !important;}<\/style>\n<summary class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-e10e680 stk--container-small stk-block-accordion__heading\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"e10e680\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-e10e680-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-e10e680-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon-label stk-block-icon-label stk-block stk-b2d1716\" data-block-id=\"b2d1716\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-b31aeec\" id=\"wh-span-style-color-var-clr-text-class-stk-highlight-at-is-a-strong-political-economy-analysis-strong-span\" data-block-id=\"b31aeec\"><style>.stk-b31aeec .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}@media screen and (max-width: 1023px){.stk-b31aeec .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:18px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Wh<span style=\"color: var(--clr-text);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">at is a <strong>Political Economy Analysis<\/strong>?<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-icon stk-block-icon stk-block stk-6a92d43\" data-block-id=\"6a92d43\"><style>.stk-6a92d43 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child, .stk-6a92d43 .stk--svg-wrapper .stk--inner-svg svg:last-child :is(g, path, rect, polygon, ellipse){fill:var(--clr-text) !important;}<\/style><span class=\"stk--svg-wrapper\"><div class=\"stk--inner-svg\"><svg style=\"height:0;width:0\"><defs><linearGradient id=\"linear-gradient-6a92d43\" x1=\"0\" x2=\"100%\" y1=\"0\" y2=\"0\"><stop offset=\"0%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-6-a-92-d-43-color-1)\"><\/stop><stop offset=\"100%\" style=\"stop-opacity:1;stop-color:var(--linear-gradient-6-a-92-d-43-color-2)\"><\/stop><\/linearGradient><\/defs><\/svg><svg data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"chevron-down\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chevron-down fa-w-14\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/summary>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-544aab1 stk-block-accordion__content\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"544aab1\"><style>.stk-544aab1-container{padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-544aab1-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-544aab1-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-614f630\" data-block-id=\"614f630\"><style>.stk-614f630 {margin-bottom:15px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">A Political Economy Analysis (PEA) is a research piece that examines how political, economic, and social factors interact to shape decision-making, resource allocation, and power dynamics in a specific context. It goes beyond formal rules and policies to explore who holds influence, what motivates different actors, and how historical and structural factors affect outcomes.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-96544ea\" data-block-id=\"96544ea\"><style>.stk-96544ea hr.stk-block-divider__hr{background:var(--clr-tertiary) !important;width:100% !important;}.stk-96544ea {margin-top:-10px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-d4bd75f\" id=\"meet-the-authors\" data-block-id=\"d4bd75f\"><style>.stk-d4bd75f {padding-top:80px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-align-center\">Meet the authors<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-d8711ac\" data-block-id=\"d8711ac\"><style>.stk-d8711ac {padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:40px !important;padding-left:40px !important;}.stk-d8711ac-column{--stk-columns-spacing:10px !important;--stk-column-gap:10px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-d8711ac-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f6757d2\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f6757d2\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f6757d2-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f6757d2-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-917891c\" data-block-id=\"917891c\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-917891c-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-2b9ad35\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"2b9ad35\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-2b9ad35-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2b9ad35-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-b6124f8\" data-block-id=\"b6124f8\"><style>.stk-b6124f8 {margin-bottom:0px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-b6124f8 .stk-img-wrapper{width:60% !important;}.stk-b6124f8 .stk-img-wrapper img{transform:scale(1) !important;object-position:45% 7.000000000000001% !important;}.stk-b6124f8 .stk-img-wrapper img, .stk-b6124f8 .stk-img-wrapper::after, .stk-b6124f8 .stk-img-wrapper::before{mask-image:url('data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAgMTAwIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+') !important;-webkit-mask-image:url('data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAgMTAwIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+') !important;}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-img--shape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-11147\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth.jpg\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1862\" alt=\"Nicole Beardsworth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth-1024x745.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth-768x559.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth-1536x1117.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth-2048x1490.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Author-Nicole-Beardsworth-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group card card-3 has-tertiary-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:-40px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized shape no-drag-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"147\" height=\"166\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Polygon-1-1.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-254\" style=\"width:auto;height:200px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-f0f5343\" data-block-id=\"f0f5343\"><style>.stk-f0f5343 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9ede670 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"9ede670\"><style>.stk-9ede670 {margin-top:30px !important;margin-bottom:5px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Dr Nicole Beardsworth<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-4f7c65d\" data-block-id=\"4f7c65d\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Profile<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-3c09763 stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"3c09763\"><style>.stk-3c09763 {padding-top:30px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Dr Nicole Beardsworth<\/strong> is a lecturer in Politics at the University of the Witwatersrand and an honorary research fellow in Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick. Nicole holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Warwick, an MA in International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MSc in African Studies from the University of Oxford. Her PhD research focused on opposition parties and electoral coordination in Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Her broader research is on the history and politics of sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on political parties, governance, democratisation and elections in Southern and Eastern Africa. Nicole is a regular writer for several academic blogs and newspapers and tweets from @nixiib.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-4831dc3\" data-block-id=\"4831dc3\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close profile<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-a67d52c\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"a67d52c\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-a67d52c-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-a67d52c-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-84571e7\" data-block-id=\"84571e7\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-84571e7-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-f3462b3\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"f3462b3\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-f3462b3-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-f3462b3-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-c19c6f7\" data-block-id=\"c19c6f7\"><style>.stk-c19c6f7 {margin-bottom:0px !important;z-index:10 !important;}.stk-c19c6f7 .stk-img-wrapper{width:60% !important;}.stk-c19c6f7 .stk-img-wrapper img{transform:scale(1) !important;object-position:45% 7.000000000000001% !important;}.stk-c19c6f7 .stk-img-wrapper img, .stk-c19c6f7 .stk-img-wrapper::after, .stk-c19c6f7 .stk-img-wrapper::before{mask-image:url('data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAgMTAwIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+') !important;-webkit-mask-image:url('data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAgMTAwIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+') !important;}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-img--shape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-12332\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rebeca-WAGNER.jpg\" width=\"1100\" height=\"800\" alt=\"Nicole Beardsworth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rebeca-WAGNER.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rebeca-WAGNER-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rebeca-WAGNER-1024x745.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rebeca-WAGNER-768x559.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rebeca-WAGNER-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group card card-3 has-tertiary-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:-40px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized shape no-drag-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"147\" height=\"166\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Polygon-1-1.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-254\" style=\"width:auto;height:200px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-expand stk-block-expand stk-block stk-5fcd3d9\" data-block-id=\"5fcd3d9\"><style>.stk-5fcd3d9 {margin-bottom:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-9010031 stk-block-expand__short-text\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-block-id=\"9010031\"><style>.stk-9010031 {margin-top:30px !important;margin-bottom:5px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong>Dr Rebecca Wagner<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__show-button stk-block stk-f4fcd4b\" data-block-id=\"f4fcd4b\"><a aria-hidden=\"false\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Profile<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-91afeaf stk-block-expand__more-text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-block-id=\"91afeaf\"><style>.stk-91afeaf {padding-top:30px !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Dr. <strong>Rebecca Wagner<\/strong> has over 15 years of experience in international democracy promotion, autocratization, civil society, and elections. She earned her PhD at the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) and Goethe University Frankfurt on civil society resilience in autocratization processes. Earlier, she worked more than seven years in human rights and democracy support in Brussels and Berlin and joined election observation missions with OSCE\/ODIHR.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button is-style-link stk-block-expand__hide-button stk-block stk-dce2e7a\" data-block-id=\"dce2e7a\"><a aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"true\" class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"#\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Close profile<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-dfdea6d\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"dfdea6d\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-dfdea6d-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-dfdea6d-inner-blocks\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"coming-soon-divider wp-block-tn-section-divider\" style=\"background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--background-alt);\">\n          <div \n        style=\"fill: var(--wp--preset--color--tertiary-alt);\" \n        class=\"svg-wrapper\"\n        data-flip-x=\"true\"\n        data-flip-y=\"true\"\n      >\n        <svg viewBox=\"0 0 1449 74\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\" xml:space=\"preserve\" style=\"fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-miterlimit:2\"><g transform=\"scale(1 1.03736)\"><path d=\"M266 70 1449 0v91H0V0l266 70Z\" style=\"fill-rule:nonzero\" transform=\"scale(1 .96399)\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg>      <\/div>\n    \n      <\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-group more-news has-background-alt-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:0rem;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:clamp(18.959px, 1.185rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.127), 30px);\">Latest on our <span style=\"color: var(--clr-tertiary);\" class=\"stk-highlight\">Research<\/span> activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-query animate-staggered-post-wrapper is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"columns-4 wp-block-post-template is-layout-grid wp-container-core-post-template-is-layout-8b083d3c wp-block-post-template-is-layout-grid\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-8075 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-research tag-commentary region-continental\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-card is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"taxonomy-post_tag wp-block-post-terms has-p-2-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/tag\/commentary\/\" rel=\"tag\">Commentary<\/a><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/does-ai-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IPE2025-commentary-Does-AI-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Does AI know who will you vote before you do?\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IPE2025-commentary-Does-AI-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IPE2025-commentary-Does-AI-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IPE2025-commentary-Does-AI-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IPE2025-commentary-Does-AI-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IPE2025-commentary-Does-AI-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do-1-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);\" class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/does-ai-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do\/\" target=\"_self\" >Does AI know who will you vote before you do?<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-d1d34460b227fcbc3605ae5c57274cdb wp-block-post-date has-text-color has-quaternary-color has-p-2-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-04-03T08:00:00+00:00\">04.03.2025<\/time><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-f236ea5e4c29ac86b2ca22faf2139a0a wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-primary-color\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">A review of the IPE2025 report and how AHEAD Africa will address its gaps. <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/does-ai-know-who-will-you-vote-before-you-do\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Read more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-7962 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-advocacy category-research tag-journal-article region-continental\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-card is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"taxonomy-post_tag wp-block-post-terms has-p-2-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/tag\/journal-article\/\" rel=\"tag\">Journal article<\/a><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/improving-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-africa\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Improving how democratic progress is measured in Africa\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ahead.africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Strengthening-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-Africa-News-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.408), 18px);\" class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/improving-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-africa\/\" target=\"_self\" >Improving how democratic progress is measured in Africa<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-d1d34460b227fcbc3605ae5c57274cdb wp-block-post-date has-text-color has-quaternary-color has-p-2-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-02-20T09:00:00+00:00\">02.20.2025<\/time><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-f236ea5e4c29ac86b2ca22faf2139a0a wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-primary-color\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Actionable steps to enhance state reporting under the ACDEG. <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button underline\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/improving-how-democratic-progress-is-measured-in-africa\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Read more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Research AHEAD Africa will build its evidence base and support advocacy efforts through the production of Publications Report Democracy Reporting International Benin electoral integrity assessment 09.04.2026 Read more Spotlight Rebecca Wagner Citizen Election Observers in an Era of Global Autocratisation 05.03.2026 Read more Assessment tool ESN-SA Gender Checklist for Free and Credible Elections in SADC [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-243","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=243"}],"version-history":[{"count":648,"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12795,"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/243\/revisions\/12795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahead.africa\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}