Democratization as public policy: the utility of the incrementalist approach for democracy in Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Democratization as public policy: the utility of the incrementalist approach for democracy in Nigeria
Author:	Ikpe, Ukana B.
Year:	1999
Periodical:	The Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies
Volume:	41
Issue:	3
Pages:	467-487
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	democracy democratization
Abstract:	Public policies formulated and implemented to increase mass political participation, democratic institutionalization/consolidation, and efficient electoral procedures, and to curtail the chances of further military intervention in civil politics, are nothing other than democratization processes. The transition programmes in Nigeria from Muhammed/Obasanjo to Babangida have been largely characterized by radical transformation. In the process, some valuable gains have been swept away with the ousted regimes. This paper argues that while policy changes are necessary for democratization, they should, however, progress gradually and incrementally. The advantages are that achievements of previous regimes could aid in building the new system, while their failures can be studied. Such a step by step progression could help the new government avoid possible mistakes deleterious to the system. Moreover, combining cumulative experiences with gradualism in the democratization process increases the possibilities of consolidation. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]