African Political Parties ─ Evolution, Institutionalisation and Governance

The authors of this collection interrogate the political health of African political parties and evaluate the theory and practice of party functions, ideology and structure. Through fresh analysis using a variety of case studies, they question the democratic credentials of African political parties and propose new methods for achieving inclusive, broad-based representation. Themes include the evolution and institutionalisation of African political parties; the unique historical, political and social circumstances that shaped their structures and functions.Morten Boas In the governance trajectory, the authors question the relationship between African political parties and government; political parties and representation; political parties and electoral systems; and political parties and parliament. Case studies include Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and many others.

M. A. Mohamed Salih is Professor of Politics of Development at the Department of Political Science, University of Leiden, The Netherlands. His most recent books include African Pastoralism: Conflict Institutions and Governance (Pluto 2001) and African Democracies and African Politics (Pluto Press 2001). Abdel Ghaffar M. Ahmed is Professor of Social Anthropology. His most recent book is African Pastoralism: Conflicts, Institutions and Government (Pluto Press 2001).