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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Post-conflict elections in Africa: Liberia and Guinea-Bissau in comparative perspective
Authors:Akokpari, JohnISNI
Azevedo, Elisabete
Year:2007
Periodical:African Journal of International Affairs (ISSN 0850-7902)
Volume:10
Issue:1-2
Pages:73-92
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Liberia
Guinea-Bissau
West Africa
Subjects:elections
2005
democratization
politics
Conflict management
Guinea-Bissau--Politics and government
Liberia--Politics and government
Abstract:Liberia and Guinea-Bissau have experienced political turbulence in the forms of conflicts and coups d'état. The two countries both held elections in 2005. This essay argues that elections are vital for post-conflict stability and development. Long-term stability in turn depends on the adoption of a more inclusive political framework such as proportional representation as opposed to the exclusive, first-past-the-post system that Liberia currently uses. While there is ground for optimism about the prospects for post-conflict democratic consolidation and stability, this will very much depend on a set of critical factors not least among which are the nurturing of the fragile democratic institutions, decentralization of power to local authorities, the deconcentration of power in the executive branch of government, the total regulation of campaign financing, support from the international community, and above all the commitment of Liberians and Guineans to move their respective countries forward. Bibliogr., notes, sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]
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