Post on 17-Nov-2014
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transcript
Civil Society and Democracy in Africa
Based on a lecture by Prof. Jerry Gana
(Swedish Institute of International Affairs, Stockholm, 3 October 2008)
Questions
How to translate democracy into development? (The links are not automatic)
How to make sure democracy benefits the people?
Background
Contested notion of ”nation state” in Africa(=”alien state”)
Need for the development of civil society to counteract traditional tensions
Nation Building in Africa
1. Idealistic Nationalist leaders
Political Independence
2. Mid-1960s: era of military governments
3. New age of democracy
Current need
Growth of Constitutional Democracy goes hand in
hand with the development of civil society
Constitutional Democracy1. Political parties2. Electoral system3. Separation of powers (system of
checks and balances4. Vibrant civil society5. Free and independent media6. Effective control over military and
armed forces
Necessities for functioning democracy
1. Right of people to free and effective chioce – politicians need to repect election result
2. Right to free association3. Right to freedom of expression4. Right to the rule of law5. Transparency, due process,
accountability
Pillars of democracy
1. Strong, effective, accountable Parliament
2. Civil society – network of civil society organisations needed
3. Free and fair elections4. Properly functioning market:
providing goods and services5. Freedoms...
Leadership
Failures in democracy can be traced to failures in leadership.
There is a need for quality leadership:•Respect integrity •Honour –
honesty, speak the truth
•Capacity to deliver
•Mobilise people
•Vision – must lead
•Legitimate authority
Leadership
Leaders must strive to:1. Create productive national
economies for development and the provision of goods and services
2. Promote of good governance3. Develop an humane, peaceful and
just society
Conclusion
Democracy should not SUSTAIN people