Transitions to Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa
Date of Award
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Hicks, Barbara
Keywords
Africa, Democratization, Transitions to Democracy
Area of Concentration
General Studies
Abstract
This study looks at the political liberalization processes that occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1989 and 1995, and develops a framework for understanding why some countries were able to implement free and fair first elections while others were not. Five variables are identified as having a strong influence on transition outcomes: the cohesiveness of the opposition movement, the disposition of the military, the severity of economic crisis, the cohesiveness of the regime, and the capacity of the state. This study then assesses these five variables in four cases of successful first elections: Benin, Zambia, Mali, and Mozambique. Next, the role of these five variables is assessed in four cases of flawed or blocked first elections: Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya. The democratic transition process is described as a bargaining process between the authoritarian incumbent and the pro-democratic opposition. Each of the five variables contributes to the strength of either the former or the latter, thus shaping the outcome of the transition process. This study concludes by describing the progress, or lack thereof, that each country made towards to democratizing after their first elections. The information on the case�s second and third elections show that successful first elections are not indicative of a successful transition, let alone of progress towards consolidating a democratic system.
Recommended Citation
Berger, Kaitlin, "Transitions to Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa" (2006). Theses & ETDs. 3613.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3613
Rights
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