The first-past-the-post electoral system versus proportional representation in Africa : a comparative analysis (original) (raw)

Electoral Integrity and Quality of Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Mozambique

Polit Journal, 2023

This article comes about with the objective of analyzing the electoral integrity and the quality of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa, considering the case of Mozambique. The main argument that guides this article is that, in the case of Mozambique, electoral cycles are characterized by problems of electoral integrity, more due to the political centralism adopted by the ruling party, Frelimo. To support this argument, can be advanced a premise according to which the political centralism adopted by Frelimo was inherited from the colony, from the militarism of the struggles for independence and perfected in the socialist period. From a qualitative and multidisciplinary approach centered on African history and political science, this article concludes that, although Mozambique is formally a democratic country, its political practices denote that it is a country with problems of electoral integrity.

A Preface to an Inclusive African Electoral System Reform Agenda

Journal of African elections, 2007

The main purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of why African electoral systems should be reformed and how to do so in order to improve the quality of representation, participation, and government effectiveness. We attempt to offer a generic framework, a menu, so to speak, whereby African political parties and policy makers can reflect on the current state of play vis-à-vis their electoral systems and then decide whether a comprehensive or partial electoral reform agenda is needed. The paper also delineates the various institutions and stakeholders that should be involved in the electoral system reform process. This is a call to improve the reform process instead of entrusting it with a limited range of state-sponsored institutions, which often create more problems than those they contrive to solve. The paper is divided into four sections: a) a synoptic exposé of electoral reforms; b) the various types of electoral reforms and the factors which militate against them; c) lessons from the African experience with electoral system reforms; and d) an analysis of the main stakeholders required to steer a comprehensive electoral system reform agenda.

Enhancing the Representativeness of the Ethiopian Electoral System: A Case for a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) Electoral System

2018

Electoral systems can be understood as a means by which popular votes can be converted into parliamentary seats on the basis of a scheme designed for this purpose by respective states. As specific contexts obviously vary, states are free to design an electoral system that best fits their particular realities. Designing an appropriate electoral system, however, essentially involves balancing its representativeness and accountability objectives. The purpose of this article is to investigate the salient features of the dominant electoral systems which are being practiced in major democracies of the world and identify a system that appropriately fits the Ethiopian context. Based on critical analysis of the majoritarian and proportional electoral systems and appraisal of the existing Ethiopia’s electoral system, it is argued that a Mixed Member Proportion (MMP) electoral system, which is an aspect of a mixed electoral system, best fits the Ethiopian situation as it can ensure representat...

The causes and consequences of electoral administrative reform in Africa

2013

that could not have been possible without the support and encouragement of family, friends and colleagues. While it would be difficult to mention everyone, I would like to briefly acknowledge those who were pivotal in the process. The chair of my doctoral dissertation, Michael Bratton, was a tireless supporter of the project since its inception. Not only was he convinced that my crazy idea of conducting fieldwork in four countries was doable but at every step of the process, he provided instructive comments on my work, invaluable advice and encouragement that made all the difference especially at times when I found myself on the verge of throwing in the towel. I am equally indebted to Eric Chang, Rita Edozie and Thomas Hammond who served as members of the dissertation committee provided constructive feedback and vital mentorship. I appreciatively acknowledge the support of other members of the MSU community. These include the faculty and staff within the Political Science Department, such as Carolyn Logan (and the Afrobarometer), Jeffery Conroy-Krutz, Steve Kautz, Karen Battin, Rhonda Burns and Sarah Krause. I was fortunate to have been surrounded by fellow graduate studentsTwyla

Elections and electoral processes in Africa: A gimmick or a curse?

African Journal of History and Culture, 2013

This paper seeks to highlight the controversial way elections have been held in some countries, which have led to the loss of confidence with the results, in some cases, the disputed elections has led to civil wars, rerun of the electoral process or the formation of coalitions. Election time on the African continent has therefore brought about anxiety to both the contesting political parties and the electorate. In the battle for political hegemony, pre-and post-electoral violence has become commonplace. But the most susceptible victims of the battle for political supremacy have been the electorate who are swayed left right and centre by completing political parties. The aftermath of most elections has left citizens licking their wounds as they take stock of the brunt of supporting whatever political party of their choice. To avoid outright defeat, most ruling political parties have been able to manipulate both the vote and state security machinery to their advantage. Legislation governing the conduct of free and fair elections has not been of much use either as it has also been manipulated. This paper explores the vagaries associated with elections on the African continent. The paper utilises available debates to support the argument of cases of flawed electoral processes on the African continent.

African Journal of History and Culture Review Elections and electoral processes in Africa: A gimmick

2013

This paper seeks to highlight the controversial way elections have been held in some countries, which have led to the loss of confidence with the results, in some cases, the disputed elections has led to civil wars, rerun of the electoral process or the formation of coalitions. Election time on the African continent has therefore brought about anxiety to both the contesting political parties and the electorate. In the battle for political hegemony, pre-and post-electoral violence has become commonplace. But the most susceptible victims of the battle for political supremacy have been the electorate who are swayed left right and centre by completing political parties. The aftermath of most elections has left citizens licking their wounds as they take stock of the brunt of supporting whatever political party of their choice. To avoid outright defeat, most ruling political parties have been able to manipulate both the vote and state security machinery to their advantage. Legislation governing the conduct of free and fair elections has not been of much use either as it has also been manipulated. This paper explores the vagaries associated with elections on the African continent. The paper utilises available debates to support the argument of cases of flawed electoral processes on the African continent.

Elections and Democracy in Africa since 2000: An Update on the Pertinent Issues

2020

This paper first addresses elections and their importance for democracy. It then gives an overview of elections in Sub-Saharan Africa since the 1990s, a decade that marked the end of the Cold War and ushered in what has been termed the "third wave of democracy" (Huntington 1991). Third, it hones in on elections in Africa since 2000, and highlights five major challenges for African elections in the present. Fourth, Ghana is used as an example of credible election management, with a focus on key requisites for free and fair elections that are acceptable to masses and elites. It nevertheless highlights some recent election management problems in Ghana. Finally, it shows the way forward to meaningful elections in Africa with eight recommendations.