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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The democratic State in Africa: the challenges for institution building
Author:Ndulo, MunaISNI
Year:1999
Periodical:Zambia Law Journal
Volume:31
Pages:1-40
Language:English
Geographic term:Subsaharan Africa
Subjects:political systems
democracy
constitutionalism
Abstract:This article identifies key issues in the process of developing durable constitutions in Africa. It hopes to foster the adoption of constitutional frameworks in individual African countries which bring about good governance and it addresses the question of how to consolidate and institutionalize democracy in Africa. The issues it covers include the colonial legacy; challenges to the establishment of viable political systems; the relation between African constitutions and a viable political order; the devolution of power and the accommodation of traditional authorities; the establishment of a democratic order; the electoral system and effective representation; the process of developing and elaborating a constitution; the adoption and enactment of the constitution into law; and the role of the international community and the multilateral development and lending institutions in the development of democracy in Africa. Especially since African States are no longer constrained by ideological divisions, there is now substantial evidence that democratic institutions can prosper and are prospering on the African continent. The future of democracy in Africa depends on the development of political systems which give people a sense of ownership of the political process. Notes, ref.
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