What role does civil society (including the middle class, religious groups, interest groups, and independent media) play in maintaining healthy democratic systems in Africa?

Assignment Question

Our textbook explains (pp. 268–9), even African countries with liberal electoral systems are plagued by charisma-based leadership, or factions that are kept in power merely due to their historical ties to past liberation movements. Additionally, opposition parties are routinely disadvantaged in these nominal democracies, unintentionally or otherwise. Is “true” multi-party democracy in the cards for Africa in the near future? How can the continent get away from its entrenched authoritarian habits? Consider that the Gambia (as an example) enjoyed multi-party democracy for 29 consecutive years following independence, only to fall to a military coup in 1994 (p. 274). Furthermore, what role does civil society (including the middle class, religious groups, interest groups, and independent media) play in maintaining healthy democratic systems in Africa?

 

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