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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Elections, Constitutionalism and Political Stability in South Africa
Author:Nupen, DrenISNI
Year:2004
Periodical:African Journal on Conflict Resolution
Volume:4
Issue:2
Pages:119-143
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:constitutions
electoral systems
Politics and Government
Law, Human Rights and Violence
History and Exploration
Ethnic and Race Relations
External link:https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/elections-constitutionalism-and-political-stability-in-south-africa/
Abstract:The history of South Africa's electoral politics dates back to the mid-19th century. Historical familiarity with electoral procedures and the development of a strong party system helps to strengthen modern electoral politics. The National Party traces its origins to 1913, the ANC was established in 1912. During the 1960s the black trade union movement emerged. In his role of ANC's president, Nelson Mandela helped lead a multiparty negotiation process which resulted in the adoption in 1994 of a transitional constitution under which would be held South Africa's first fully democratic elections, under a system of proportional representation. Since then, South Africa has moved to a system in which the constitution has supreme authority. Since Thabo Mbeki's accession, the President's office has accumulated enormous functions and power. The public legitimacy of the electoral arrangements is evident in the absence of any disputes over their results. Acceptance by losing parties of electoral outcomes is partly attributable to the effectiveness of a conflict management system instituted in 1994. Electoral reform to enhance parliamentary accountability constitutes the main policy challenge today. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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