Simon Primus

Assistant Professor in Political Science @UniFAU | Chair of Comparative Politics @eckert_san | Comparative Politics, African Politics, Elections and Democracy

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

Account retired. Loved the idea of exchanging thoughts and insights here, but Elon Musk's open support for right-wing conspiracy discourse, and the weight of those views in trends, make me feel increasingly uneasy about contributing or encouraging others to visit X. 😢

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

After two decades of liberation loyalty, South African voters punished ANC for persistent inequality and deteriorating living conditions, but worrisome ethnic voting pattern: Big winner MK Party irrelevant in most parts, except in Zulu territories. #electionresults #SAElections

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

@N_Ayanda @SABCNews So, then this would be mathematically possible majority coalitions for the ANC. Which combinations are likely? 🤔 #SAElections

[Athi Mtongana @AthiMtongana]

STELLENBOSCH; WESTERN CAPE

#SAelections24 #SAdecides24

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

Today is #ElectionDay in South Africa 🇿🇦. ANC may lose absolute majority for the first time since Apartheid ended.

Political freedom came, but inequality and poverty stayed; dissatisfaction is growing.

Evident in @worldbankdata @afrobarometer 👇

#SAelections24 #2024IsOur1994

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

Congrats to #Senegal 🇸🇳♥️

It was a tough battle, but civil society, the judiciary, traditional leaders, and now voters have made it unmistakably clear: Democracy is the only game in town! No chance for autocratization—not in Senegal!
#SenegalElections

https://t.co/dxZiYghK3r

[Wole Ojewale, Ph.D @woleojewale]

This is a very brilliant explainer on event unfolding in #Senegal. It goes beyond the headlines to analyse why one of few Africa’s enduring democracies is sliding towards authoritarianism.

Thanks to @StephanieBusari reflecting my perspectives granted through interview.

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

True character is revealed in how one responds to electoral defeat. George Weah is stepping down in style, and in doing so, he gains more in respect and legacy than he loses. The football hero will now also be hailed as a political hero.

#LiberiaDecides #Liberia #Weah 🇱🇷👏

[Kennedy Wandera @KennedyWandera_]

Excerpts of Liberia's 🇱🇷 President George Weah's Concession Speech.
#LiberiaDecides

I stand before you tonight with a heavy heart, but with the utmost respect for the democratic process that has defined our nation.

The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that is insurmountable.

A few moments ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and to offer my sincere commitment to working with him for the betterment of our beloved Liberia🇱🇷.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Boakai, his supporters, and his campaign team. May his presidency be marked by success for all Liberians, and may our nation prosper under his leadership.

Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia🇱🇷. Through your peaceful and orderly exercise of your constitutional right to vote, you have once again demonstrated your commitment to the democratic principles that bind us together as a nation.

Under my leadership, these elections were organized with a promise to the Liberian people – a promise of fairness, transparency, and credibility. I am proud to say that, for the most part, we have fulfilled that promise. The Liberian people have spoken, and their choice will be honored and obeyed.

I would like to congratulate the National Elections Commission for a job well done.

However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country. As we transition to the new Boakai administration, we must be vigilant to the dangers of division and work together to find common ground. Now, more than ever, unity is paramount for the love of Mama Liberia.

To the members of the Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change, I understand that this is not the outcome we desired.

I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections.

Tonight, the Coalition for Democratic Change has lost the election, but Liberia🇱🇷 has won. This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest. I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia.

Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as One Nation and One United People.

~ George Manneh Weah, @GeorgeWeahOff, President of Liberia🇱🇷.

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

A close run-off election in #Liberia results in Joseph Boakai defeating Prez Weah by a margin of less than 30K votes. This outcome, combined with the loser's swift concession, renders #LiberiaDecides2023 Africa's most commendable election this year. 🇱🇷👏
https://t.co/OGPBbZ3W0O

[Thomas Demmelhuber @t_demmelhuber]

What an honor for #MELS - Middle East Politics and Society Lecture Series @UniFAU (in coop. w/ Bay. Orientkolloq.) to welcome former German ambassador @AuswaertigesAmt to #Niger Hermann Nicolai for a talk on the Sahel region. Thank you for a great talk & fascinating insights 👏🏼

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

More wise words from @AdamPrzeworski. It will be interesting to watch if a new government will really roll back backsliding. A polarizing opposition strategy may also threaten such good intentions. Poland 🇵🇱 is certainly a crucial case to watch regarding backsliding dynamics.

[Adam Przeworski @AdamPrzeworski]

Another thought on Poland: How does one undo backsliding without backsliding? PiS packed state institutions. If the opposition responds in kind, it will be backsliding. If it does not, it will be undermining its future electoral chances. "Restoring democracy" is a tricky task.

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

@UptonOrwell @F_Bethke @Stata @AsjadNaqvi That's awesome. Thank you so much.

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

An important observation by a renowned comparative politics scholar: PiS's substantial losses can't be attributed to economic voting. Poland consistently exceeded the EU's economic growth averages during their tenure. It was a rejection of illiberalism, not an economic vote.🗳️🇵🇱

[Adam Przeworski @AdamPrzeworski]

The Polish election is the first instance of a backsliding government defeated having had completed two terms. Moreover, average income increased 31% during past 8 years. I did not expect it.

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

In my youth, I dreamt of a future EU steered safely through global politics' stormy waters by the axis Paris–Berlin–Warsaw. Reconciled and aware of the value of a liberal order. Happy about the resurrection of this vision. We cannot go at it alone. 🇪🇺🤝💪🇪🇺https://t.co/1j2MAZBBGX

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

Fortunately, the tabulation process in 🇱🇷 #LiberiaDecides2023 appears to be considerably more transparent compared to what we witnessed in #SierraLeone. Provisional results from @TSM_Liberia suggest the expected close race between Pres George Weah and main rival Joseph Boakai.

[The Stage Media Liberia @TSM_Liberia]

See provisional results here: https://t.co/dqC2SiMqP1
#LiberiaDecides2023

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

The 🇪🇺 EU Observation Mission's final report on 🇸🇱#SierraLeoneDecides2023 is cautious, avoiding a firm verdict. Still, it clearly highlights election manipulation during the results tabulation. Below are screenshots the key passages from pages 38f.

#eueom #eu #eom #sierraleone

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

Aus der Rubrik “Video & Games” des Innenministeriums. Das Salafisten-Quiz. Ein Spaß für jung und alt, vor allem jung. Prominent als Werbung bei X platziert.

Könnte so etwas Narrative transportieren, die eher anderen Gruppen als der CSU Wählerstimmen bringen….? Nein, oder? 🤔

[Bayerisches Innenministerium @BayStMI]

Unlogisch, aber wahr: Salafisten halten Musik für „gottlos“. Trotzdem setzen sie gezielt Musik, z. B. in Form von Gesang ein, um Jugendliche für sich zu gewinnen.

Was weißt Du schon über den Salafismus?

Mit unserem Quiz kannst Du Dein Wissen testen:
https://t.co/UcvMTZrLPW

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

German regional elections are through – now, all eyes are one #Liberia 🇱🇷🗳️which holds general elections today. Well…at least my eyes😀. However, here are 4 Reasons why to keep an eye on #LiberiaDecides2023.

[Simon Primus @sim_prim]

Indeed, Bavarian election highlights growing contrast between metropolitan & periphery political cultures.

In 🇩🇪, Greens & far-Right AfD embody these poles. Their vote-% are almost perfectly correlated:👇

AFD struggles in green cities, Greens wherever AfD is strong. #ltwby23