Democratic transitions in India and Nigeria after independence

Ethnic Diversity and Democracy

Both India and Nigeria had been under British rule for generations. As the sun fell on the British Empire, both eventually gained their independence. However, this independence reached limited initial success and came about very differently in both regions. Before eventually entering a democratic style of government, Nigeria was ruled by military forces after the British pulled out. Slowly, it has come to become more of a democratic nation. On the other hand, India has seen more success in its move to democracy, despite some problems. After independence in 1947, only about three passed before India molded into a democratic nation.

Nigeria achieved its independence from the British in 1960. After the British left their African colony, the country was thrown into military rule for the next thirty years. Initially, several different power houses opted to create their own nations. Divisions sprouted between the Muslim and Christian majorities within the small African nation. Corrupted democratic elections led to military overthrows which dominated the political scene until the 1990's. Skirmishes broke out between the eastern and western portions of Nigeria, and the country was in violent upheaval for several generations. In the 1970's the first major military regime collapsed and there was a brief return to democracy. However, a new military power returned and took control until 1998. Democracy returned to Nigeria in the election of 1999, and the country has remained a democratic nation ever since, despite long rooted divisions still tormenting parts of the nation.