Synopses & Reviews
The authors of this collection interrogate the political health of African political parties and evaluate the theory and practice of party functions, ideology and structure. Through fresh analysis using a variety of case studies, they question the democratic credentials of African political parties and propose new methods for achieving inclusive, broad-based representation. Themes include the evolution and institutionalisation of African political parties; the unique historical, political and social circumstances that shaped their structures and functions.Morten Bøås In the governance trajectory, the authors question the relationship between African political parties and government; political parties and representation; political parties and electoral systems; and political parties and parliament. Case studies include Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and many others.
Synopsis
The authors of this collection interrogate the political health of African political parties and evaluate the theory and practice of party functions, ideology and structure.
About the Author
M. A. Mohamed Salih is Professor of Politics of Development at both the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague and the Department of Political Science, University of Leiden, The Netherlands His most recent books include African Pastoralism: Conflict, Institutions and Government (Pluto Press, 2001), Environmental Planning, Policies and Politics in Eastern and Southern Africa (1999), Environmental Politics and Liberation in Contemporary Africa (1999) and Local Environmental Change and Society in Africa (2000).
Table of Contents
Foreword: Abdel Ghaffar Mohamed Ahmed: Executive Secretary, OSSREA
Abbreviations
1. Introduction: Evolution of African Political Parties; M. A. Mohamed Salih
2. Political Parties, Party Systems and Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa; Renske Doorenspleet
3. Power and competition: The institutional context of multi-party politics; Oda van Cranenburgh
4. Democratic Transition and the Crises of an African Nationalist Party, UNIP: Zambia; Jotham C. Momba
5. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM): A Revolutionary Party in Transition, Tanzania; Paschal B. Mihyo
6. Inhibitions to Democratic Party Politics in Zimbabwe; John Makumbe
7. Political Parties and Democratic Sustenance in Ghana, 1992-2000; Kwame Boafo-Arthur
8. Sustainability of Political Parties in Kenya; Nick G. Wanjohi
9. Political Parties and Democracy in Independent Namibia; Tapera O. Chirawu
10. Multiparty Politics and Elections in Southern Africa: Realities and Imageries; Denis Venter
11. Party Politics and Political Culture in Ethiopia; Kassahun Berhanu
12. When Political Parties Fail: Sudan's Democratic Conundrum; Abdel Ghaffar Mohamed Ahmed and Samia El Hadi El Nagar
13. Political Parties and Governance; Wil Hout
14. Political Parties and Democratic Governance in Botswana; Mpho G. Molomo
15. Political Parties and the Unfinished Quest for Democratic Governance, Zambia; Njunga-Michael Mulikita
16. Political Parties and Governance in Nigeria; Dele Olowu and Matthew Okotoni
17. Political Parties and Government; Petr Kopeck_ and Peter Mair:
18. Synthesis and Conclusion; M. A. Mohamed Salih
Bibliography
Note on Contributors
Index