African civil society and democratisation

Abstract

Explanations of successful democratic transitions and subsequent entrenchment of democratic institutions often emphasis the role played in these processes by extensive and densely woven civil society organisms. The associational life assembled in civil society as well as in well organised political parties are both viewed as very important in helping to establish and build democratic political systems. In this presentation we will consider African civil society’s contribution to democratic development. We will do this by investigating the politically relevant activities of civil society in six of Africa’s stronger democracies, in the six countries in which two alternations in office of parties and or presidents have occurred through elections. Double electoral turnovers are often cited as evidence of democratic accomplishment. We will survey each of the countries in turn. A preliminary consideration of the development of their party politics will provide useful background for an exploration of the extent to which civil society in each setting has enhanced democratic politics.