Political Change And Constitutionalism In Africa

Author : Okon Akiba
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 366 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2020-12-30
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780429676123

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Political Change and Constitutionalism in Africa by Okon Akiba Pdf

Political Change and Constitutionalism in Africa examines the complexities of government and obstacles facing constitutional democracy in transitional African societies. The chapters provide a critical, conceptual framework to probe, interpret and understand the dimensions of current and impending challenges to constitutional government in the African continent. The contributors explain why deep inequalities and harsh repression persist in most transitional African countries, despite constitutionally guaranteed rights and the ongoing, practical efforts to expand participation through political liberalization. The book demonstrates the importance of sustaining in public confidence in democracy and provides provocative ideas about how to deal with new, prodigious configurations of power that are stubbornly resisting real institutional change. Political Change and Constitutionalism in Africa will be of interest to scholars of African politics and constitutional politics.

Author : Okon Akiba
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 183 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2017-03-02
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781351949361

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Constitutionalism and Society in Africa by Okon Akiba Pdf

The issues addressed in this rewarding book provide new insight into the way we conceive, reflect and study the problems of political transformation and constitution-making in Africa. The study provides a refreshingly in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of constitutional provisions for managing the challenges of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, civil liberties and civil-military relations in Africa's transitional democracies. Tracing emerging trends in constitution-making, it blends the theory of constitutional democracy with case studies, and defines the imperative of social justice.

Author : Justin Frosini,Francesco Biagi
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2014-12-05
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781317597445

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Political and Constitutional Transitions in North Africa by Justin Frosini,Francesco Biagi Pdf

The transformations which are taking place in the Arab world are dynamic processes characterised by a number of variables that one can refer to as actors and factors. The implications of the Arab uprisings are important for the world at large; the Arab world’s successes, and failures, at this crucial moment may well serve as a model for other nations. Political and Constitutional Transitions in North Africa focuses on five Northern African countries- Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Libya and Algeria- examining specific institutions and actors participating in the political upheavals in North Africa since 2011, and placing them in a comparative perspective in order to better understand the processes at work. This book addresses issues pertinent to North African and Middle Eastern Studies, comparative constitutional law, political science and transitional studies and it contains contributions by experts in all these fields. Providing a significant contribution to the understanding of events that followed the immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia, this book is a valuable contribution to North African Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Comparative Constitutional Law and Transitional Studies.

Author : Charles M. Fombad,Nico Steytler
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 624 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2021-03-18
Category : Law
ISBN : 9780192647818

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Democracy, Elections, and Constitutionalism in Africa by Charles M. Fombad,Nico Steytler Pdf

The third wave of democracy that reached African shores at the end of the Cold War brought with it a dramatic decline from 1990 onwards in dictatorships, military regimes, one-party governments, and presidents for life. Multiparty democracy was at the core of the constitutional revolutions that swept through most of Africa in those watershed years. However, that wave is either losing momentum or receding - or being reversed in its entirety. This volume examines democracy and elections in Africa, a focus motivated by two concerns. First, after 30 years it is important to take stock of the state of constitutional democracy on the continent. The democratic gains of the 1990s and 2000s seem to be falling by the wayside, with the evidence mounting that regimes are concealing authoritarianism under the veneer of elections, doing so in an international context where populist regimes are on the rise and free and fair multiparty elections are consequently no longer a given. It is becoming a battle to protect and retain constitutional democracy. The second reason for this volume's focus on democracy and elections is that multiparty democracy is essential for the proper functioning of the state in addressing the major problems facing Africa - internal conflict, inequality and lack of development, and poor governance and corruption. The focus of this volume is thus on how competitive politics or multiparty democracy can be realized and how, through competition, such politics could lead to better policy and practice outcomes.

Author : Eunice N. Sahle
Publisher : Springer
Page : 299 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2017-07-06
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781137555922

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Democracy, Constitutionalism, and Politics in Africa by Eunice N. Sahle Pdf

This volume explores contemporary political developments in various parts of Africa in the age of democracy, constitutionalism, the securitization of development, and global terrorism. The contributions by leading observers of constitutionalism and African politics in the context of a global political and economic system provide a nuanced understanding of important themes in contemporary African politics: constitutionalism, democratic politics and governance, women’s rights, the African Union, securitization of development, civil society, and debates concerning global terrorism and the war on terror. As such, it will be of great interest to scholars, civil society organizations, and public policy makers interested in contemporary African politics.

Author : Tania Abbiate,Markus Böckenförde,Veronica Federico
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 318 pages
File Size : 52,5 Mb
Release : 2017-11-22
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781351719643

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Public Participation in African Constitutionalism by Tania Abbiate,Markus Böckenförde,Veronica Federico Pdf

During the last decade of the 20th century, Africa has been marked by a "constitutional wind" which has blown across the continent giving impetus to constitutional reforms designed to introduce constitutionalism and good governance. One of the main features of these processes has been the promotion of public participation, encouraged by both civil society and the international community. This book aims to provide a systematic overview of participation forms and mechanisms across Africa, and a critical understanding of the impact of public participation in constitution-making processes, digging beneath the rhetoric of public participation as being at the heart of any successful transition towards democracy and constitutionalism. Using case studies from Central African Republic, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Morocco, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the book investigates various aspects of participatory constitution making: from conception, to processes, and specific contents that trigger ambivalent dynamics in such processes. The abstract glorification of public participation is questioned as theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to explain what public participation does in concrete terms and to identify what lessons might be drawn from those experiences. This is a valuable resource for academics, researchers and students with an interest in politics and constitution building in Africa, as well as experts working in national offices, international organizations or in national and international NGOs.

Author : Charles M. Fombad,Nico Steytler
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 673 pages
File Size : 41,5 Mb
Release : 2019-09-10
Category : Law
ISBN : 9780192585035

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Decentralization and Constitutionalism in Africa by Charles M. Fombad,Nico Steytler Pdf

This collection of essays assesses the efforts of African governments to constitutionalise decentralisation, be it in the form of federalism, local government or traditional authorities. Since the end of the Cold War jurisdictions across Africa have witnessed an ostensible return to multi-party democracy within the paradigm of constitutionalism and the rule of law. Linked to the democratisation process, many countries took steps to decentralize power by departing from the heavily centralized systems inherited from colonial regimes. The centralization of power, typically characterized by the personalization and concentration of power in the hands of leaders and privileged elites in capital cities, mostly resulted in repressive regimes and fragile states. As decentralisation is a response to these challenges, this volume analyses the dynamic relationship between the efforts to implement decentralization and presence or absence of constitutionalism. This volume examines a variety of forms and degrees of decentralization found across Africa. It advances a new understanding of trends and patterns and facilitates the exchange of ideas among African governments and scholars about the critical role that decentralisation may play in democratization of and constitutionalism in Africa.

Author : Godwin R. Murunga,Duncan Okello,Anders Sjogren
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 208 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2014-12-11
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781780323671

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Kenya by Godwin R. Murunga,Duncan Okello,Anders Sjogren Pdf

The aftermath of recent Kenyan elections has been marred by violence and an apparent crisis in democratic governance, with the negotiated settlement resulting from the 2007 election bringing into sharp focus longstanding problems of state and society. The broader reform process has involved electoral, judicial and security-sector reforms, among others, which in turn revolve around constitutional reforms. Written by a gathering of eminent specialists, this highly original volume interrogates the roots and impact of the 2010 constitution. It explains why reforms were blocked in the past but were successful this time around, and explores the scope for their implementation in the face of continued resistance by powerful groups. In doing so, the book demonstrates that the Kenyan experience carries significance well past its borders, speaking to debates surrounding social justice and national cohesion across the African continent and beyond.

Author : Veronica Federico,Carlo Fusaro
Publisher : Firenze University Press
Page : 222 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2006
Category : Law
ISBN : 9788884534019

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Constitutionalism and Democratic Transitions by Veronica Federico,Carlo Fusaro Pdf

"The book - as the outcome of a research performed by the University of Florence and the United States Institute of Peace of Washington - explores the role of law in the process of democratic transition in South Africa. More specifically it emphasize how constitutional law may contribute to "civilize" apparently reconcilable conflicts, a part from laying down the foundations of the new legal order and institutions. The book - as the outcome of a research performed by the University of Florence and the United States Institute of Peace of Washington - explores the role of law in the process of democratic transition in South Africa. More specifically it emphasize how constitutional law may contribute to "civilize" apparently reconcilable conflicts, a part from laying down the foundations of the new legal order and institutions"--Publisher's description

Author : Charles Manga Fombad,Christina Murray
Publisher : PULP
Page : 414 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2010
Category : Africa
ISBN : 9780981442082

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Fostering Constitutionalism in Africa by Charles Manga Fombad,Christina Murray Pdf

About the publication This volume comprises a small selection of papers first presented at the 2007 African Network of Constitutional Lawyers' conference in Nairobi. With contributions from Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi and the DRC, they cross the legal and language divides in Africa. Each paper raises issues that concern all Africans committed to good governance and human rights. They provide thought-provoking discussions of constitutional change and maintaining constitutional stability; ways of controlling the power of the executive; and who should control prosecutions, the executive or an independent body. They identify many challenges and try to chart new directions for the entrenchment of constitutionalism on the continent. All the contributions are in English and French to encourage a truly continental debate on these topical issues. This book is the first in the 'Rule of Law in Africa' series and the financial assistance of the World Bank is gratefully acknowledged. About the editors: Charles Fombad is Professor of law and Head of Department of Public Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria. Christina Murray is Professor of Human Rights and Constitutional Law at the University of Cape Town.

Author : Kelechi Amihe Kalu,Peyi Soyinka-Airewele
Publisher : Africa Research and Publications
Page : 426 pages
File Size : 42,6 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Africa
ISBN : UCSC:32106017457059

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Socio-political Scaffolding and the Construction of Change by Kelechi Amihe Kalu,Peyi Soyinka-Airewele Pdf

Author : Charles M. Fombad,Nico Steytler
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 465 pages
File Size : 43,9 Mb
Release : 2022-11-14
Category : Law
ISBN : 9780192886453

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Constitutionalism and the Economy in Africa by Charles M. Fombad,Nico Steytler Pdf

Despite expectations that the celebrated second wave of constitutional democracy in the 1990s would facilitate economic development, Africa remains the continent with the highest level of poverty in the world. The fight against poverty hinges on a vibrant economy that creates jobs and income by generating enough revenue to enable the state to take pro-development measures. However, instead of the economic benefits that were supposed to accrue from the constitutional reforms of the last three decades (including entrenching a market economy), African economies remain weak, a situation that has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on the relationship between constitutionalism and economic growth in Africa, this volume addresses five questions: (1) In the constitutional reforms of the 1990s and thereafter, did constitutions also reflect the shift towards a market economy, and if so, in what manner? (2) Given that agriculture and extractive industries are the main sources of state revenue in many African economies, how are matters of land and other natural resources dealt with constitutionally? (3) Where the market economy is captured in a constitution, what is the state's relationship to that economy: interventionist or laissez-faire, or somewhere in between? Have constitutions also established a 'social' state that provides its citizens with the basic elements of a dignified life? (4) In the process of constitution-making and implementation concerning the economy, what impact has globalization had on constitutionalism and economic growth in Africa? (5) Finally, how has the relationship between constitutionalism and economic growth played out in practice? Is there a symbiotic relationship? Has constitutionalism led (or may do so) to greater economic prosperity? Constitutionalism and the Economy in Africa offers a range of comprehensive arguments and case studies that will be of interest and use to academics, post-graduate students, judges, lawyers, economists, and policy makers involved in the economic role of the State, the impact of globalization, and the constitutional foundations for land and natural resources exploitation.

Author : John Mukum Mbaku,Julius O. Ihonvbere
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 307 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2018-12-20
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780429835759

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Multiparty Democracy and Political Change by John Mukum Mbaku,Julius O. Ihonvbere Pdf

First published in 1998, This book is written by seasoned scholars of African Studies and it intended to make a significant contribution to the debate on democracy and democratization in the continent. It contains a rich mixture of analytical ideas and views on the transition to accountable, participatory, and democratic governance structures in Africa. It provides both students of African political economy and policymakers in the continent and in-depth analysis of the post-independence experience of African countries with institutional reforms. Specifically, it looks at the struggles of Africans, since independence, to provide themselves with more appropriate and viable governance structures and economic systems that enhance the ability to entrepreneurs to create wealth. The Book breaks new ground in that it places significant emphasis on the reconstruction of the neo-colonial state as an important first step to a successful transition to democratic and more accountable governance structures.

Author : Francis Mading Deng,Daniel J. Deng,David K. Deng,Vanessa Jiménez
Publisher : US Institute of Peace Press
Page : 290 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Law
ISBN : 9781601270344

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Identity, Diversity, and Constitutionalism in Africa by Francis Mading Deng,Daniel J. Deng,David K. Deng,Vanessa Jiménez Pdf

In this innovative and stimulating volume, Francis Deng outlines a new relationship between governments and societies--a relationship informed by Western concepts but based on traditional African values such as respect for human dignity, equality, and self-rule.

Author : Said Adejumobi
Publisher : Springer
Page : 297 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2015-12-27
Category : History
ISBN : 9781137518828

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National Democratic Reforms in Africa by Said Adejumobi Pdf

From putative 'success stories' such as Ghana and Rwanda to failed efforts in Zimbabwe and other countries, this volume brings together seven incisive case studies from diverse contexts including post-war Sierra Leone, Uganda, and the new nation of South Sudan to distil insights into the troubled progress of reform across the African continent.