This paper presents a brief overview of experiences of multipartyism and constitutional democracy in Africa. It also examines how multipartyism and constitutional rule has failed to address the post-independence governance crisis in Africa. The main position advanced by this paper is that, while constitutional governance and multipartyism have been widely but reluctantly accepted by many African leaders, they have failed to build and allow democratic institutions to work in Africa.
Since independence, African countries have been confronted with myriads of costly political, economic and security crises, with many deleterious effects on the region’s progress. At independence, most if not all African leaders committed themselves to the path of democracy and good governance but would soon shy away from it. The constitutions of most of the emerging states were therefore, sooner than later, subjected to numerous amendments carried out in a manner that undermined the essence of constitutional rule and principles of multiparty democratic governance. What would follow is emergence of both civilian and military authoritarian regimes and concomitant governance, development and human rights crises (Ibid).
However, demise of the Cold War and concomitant collapse of the Communist Block in 1989 would return the euphoria for democracy and departure from authoritarianism (both military and civilian) by many African countries. The early 1990s saw an adoption or a return of multiparty democracy in several African countries and promulgation of new constitutions to help consolidate the new systems of government. The so-called third wave of democratization brought to bear, great pressure on African authoritarian leaders (mostly military regimes) to adopt freer multiparty democratic political systems - an era Lucian Pye (1990), referred to as “the global crisis of authoritarianism”. The continent witnessed, more than ever, agitation for comprehensive constitutional reforms and good governance during this era.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- MEANING OF DEMOCRACY
- MEANING OF CONSTITUTION AND CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT
- EXPERIENCES OF MULTIPARTY AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA: AN OVERVIEW
- CONCLUSION
- REFERENCES.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper provides an overview of multipartyism and constitutional democracy in Africa, examining how these concepts have impacted the continent's governance landscape since independence. It delves into the theoretical underpinnings of democracy and constitutional government, outlining key principles and challenges. The paper also analyzes the implementation and challenges of multipartyism and constitutional rule in Africa, highlighting the complexities of building and maintaining democratic institutions in the region.
- The meaning and principles of democracy
- The concept of constitutionalism and its role in governance
- The experience of multipartyism and constitutional democracy in Africa
- Challenges to democratic governance in Africa
- The impact of multipartyism and constitutional rule on post-independence governance in Africa
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter outlines the context of the study, highlighting the political, economic, and security challenges faced by African countries since independence. It discusses the initial commitment to democracy and good governance, the subsequent emergence of authoritarian regimes, and the resurgence of multiparty democracy in the 1990s. The chapter also introduces the debate surrounding the effectiveness of multipartyism and constitutional democracy in Africa.
- Meaning of Democracy: This chapter delves into the theoretical foundations of democracy, exploring various definitions and interpretations. It examines the key principles of democratic governance, including competition for power, citizen participation, and civil and political liberties. The chapter also discusses the importance of institutional mechanisms and the role of political culture in sustaining democracy.
- Meaning of Constitution and Constitutional Government: This chapter defines the concept of constitutionalism, emphasizing the constraints imposed on governments by a constitution. It outlines the key features of a constitution, including its binding nature, focus on institutional structures and citizen rights, and the difficulty of amendment. The chapter also highlights the importance of constitutionalism in promoting stability, predictability, and order in governance.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Multipartyism, constitutional democracy, African governance, democracy, constitutionalism, authoritarianism, post-independence governance, democratic institutions, civil liberties, human rights, good governance, rule of law.
- Quote paper
- Gilbert Aidoo Arhinful (Author), 2018, Multipartyism and constitutional governance in Africa. How they have failed to address the post-independence governance crisis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/957093
