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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Restraining executive power in Africa: horizontal accountability in Africa's hybrid regimes
Author:Cranenburgh, Oda vanISNI
Year:2009
Periodical:South African Journal of International Affairs
Volume:16
Issue:1
Pages:49-68
Language:English
Geographic term:Africa
Subjects:political systems
separation of powers
executive power
responsibility
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10220460902986230
Abstract:This article presents an overview of African regime types and the limits on restraining executive power, institutionally as well as through party politics. Particular attention is given to the lack of separation between the legislative and executive branch of government in most countries of Africa and the great powers assigned to presidents. Both issues imply a lack of possibilities to hold the executive accountable, or what G. O'Donnell (1998) called 'horizontal accountability'. Moreover, the pattern of one-party dominance, which can be related in part to concurrent elections for the presidency and parliament, strengthens executive power and implies a low incidence of government coalitions. The analysis points to the limits of existing constitutional instruments to restrain executive power, such as censure, impeachment and presidential term limits. The author argues that donors should use their considerable agenda power to assist local pressures for reform. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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