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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Constitution-Making in Africa: Assessing Both the Process and the Content
Author:Ndulo, M.ISNI
Year:2001
Periodical:Public Administration and Development
Volume:21
Issue:2
Period:May
Pages:101-117
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:democracy
constitutional amendments
Politics and Government
Law, Human Rights and Violence
Development and Technology
External link:https://doi.org/10.1002/pad.163
Abstract:Africa's development quagmire calls for a critical examination of the question of governance in Africa with a view to identifying possible approaches to the development of systems of governance that give political space to all groups, thereby avoiding conflict and political instability. Since the most important legal instrument in the scheme of good governance is the national constitution, the author discusses some of the key issues that must be considered in the process of developing a durable national constitution. A serious search for viable constitutional arrangements in African States must begin with the identification and examination of the specific social, political and economic conditions present in African countries. There is a critical need for the devolution of power and the accommodation of traditional authorities. Free and fair elections are indispensable elements of democratic governance. The process of developing and elaborating a constitution must be legitimate and, for it to be legitimate, it must be inclusive. This applies equally to the way in which the constitution is adopted and enacted into law. The future of democracy in Africa depends on the development of political systems that give people a sense of ownership of the political process. Bibliogr., sum.
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