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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:A Consociational Democracy for Somalia
Author:Laitin, David D.ISNI
Year:1990
Periodical:Horn of Africa
Volume:13
Issue:1-2
Period:January-June
Pages:62-68
Language:English
Geographic term:Somalia
Subjects:democracy
plural society
Politics and Government
Abstract:Most theories on the failure of democracy in Africa explain this sad outcome by noting that African societies lack a strong middle class and are deeply divided (by tribe). The present author argues that electorally based parliamentary democracy is viable in deeply divided societies, if founded on the consociational model (Lijphart, 1977). In this paper he outlines some of the principles of consociational democracy and shows how they may apply to a democratic Somalia. These principles are: grand coalitions, mutual veto, proportionality and segmental autonomy. Four conditions favourable for consociation are met by Somalia: a balance of power among (more than 2) segments; a small size of the country; a low economic differentiation between the segments; and a tradition of elite accommodation. Ref.