The King Is Dead

Another victory for democracy occured today, this time in Togo, West Africa. Not long ago, the international community would have been happy that the transfer of power from one autocrat to another (in this case father to son) was peaceful; now, African leaders lead the push for constitutionally mandated elections to be held shortly. Of course, he may be promptly voted back into office in sixty days, as the candidate of the ruling party. But at least the people have a choice. Even partial democracy is good: it may not give the people full control of their country, but it narrows the parameters within which politicians must operate to retain legitimacy.

The king is dead! Long live Togoan independence!