Leadership and the Problem of Electoral Democracy in Africa

This volume explores the notion that African leaders are fundamentally responsible for electoral malfeasance throughout the continent. The quagmire of fixing elections in order to stay in power ad-infinitum has frequently led - and will continue to lead - to political violence, civil wars, internal displacement of citizens, international refugee crises, and economic malaise with its attendant crisis of underdevelopment. This book provides five case studies selected from Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone Africa that illustrate some variations and similarities in the dilemma of electoral democracy in this epoch of Africa's democratic experiment. It suggests, among other factors, Colin Powell's and Abraham Lincoln's theoretical templates as pointers for African political chiefs in their struggle for democratic consolidation - a successful move that could advance national legitimacy and political stability critical for impressive development in this millennium.

This volume explores the notion that African leaders are fundamentally responsible for electoral malfeasance throughout the continent. The quagmire of fixing elections in order to stay in power ad-infinitum has frequently led - and will continue to lead - to political violence, civil wars, internal displacement of citizens, international refugee crises, and economic malaise with its attendant crisis of underdevelopment. This book provides five case studies selected from Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone Africa that illustrate some variations and similarities in the dilemma of electoral democracy in this epoch of Africa's democratic experiment. It suggests, among other factors, Colin Powell's and Abraham Lincoln's theoretical templates as pointers for African political chiefs in their struggle for democratic consolidation - a successful move that could advance national legitimacy and political stability critical for impressive development in this millennium.