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