Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies

The development of legislatures in Africa has been shaped by a complex interplay of politics and postcolonial legacies. In the aftermath of independence, many African countries adopted Westminster-style parliamentary systems, which featured a strong executive and a relatively weak legislature. However, these systems have often been undermined by authoritarianism, corruption, and ethnic conflict. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards democratic reform, which has included the strengthening of legislatures.

Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies

by Ken Ochieng' Opalo

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	291 pages
Item Weight	:	10.6 ounces

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The Westminster Model

The Westminster model of parliamentary government was developed in the United Kingdom and was exported to many of its former colonies, including African countries. This model features a strong executive, led by a prime minister, who is responsible for appointing and dismissing ministers. The legislature, or parliament, is bicameral, with an upper house (senate) and a lower house (house of representatives). The parliament is responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the government.

Challenges to Legislative Development

The Westminster model has faced a number of challenges in Africa. One challenge has been the lack of a strong democratic tradition in many African countries. This has led to the emergence of authoritarian regimes, which have suppressed opposition and undermined the independence of the legislature. Another challenge has been the prevalence of corruption, which has weakened the ability of legislatures to hold governments accountable. Finally, ethnic conflict has often led to the breakdown of legislatures and the emergence of violence.

The Movement Towards Democratic Reform

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards democratic reform in Africa. This movement has been driven by a number of factors, including the end of the Cold War, the rise of civil society, and the increasing demand for accountability from governments. As part of this movement, there has been a growing emphasis on the strengthening of legislatures.

The Strengthening of Legislatures

The strengthening of legislatures in Africa has taken a number of forms. In some countries, there have been constitutional reforms to give legislatures more power. In other countries, there have been efforts to improve the capacity of legislatures to conduct oversight of the government. Additionally, there has been a growing emphasis on public participation in the legislative process.

The Future of Legislative Development in Africa

The future of legislative development in Africa is uncertain. While there has been progress in recent years, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include the lack of a strong democratic tradition, the prevalence of corruption, and the potential for ethnic conflict. However, the growing movement towards democratic reform provides hope that legislatures in Africa will continue to strengthen and play a more active role in the development of their countries.

The development of legislatures in Africa has been a complex and challenging process. However, there has been progress in recent years, as legislatures have become more powerful and more accountable to the people. The future of legislative development in Africa is uncertain, but the growing movement towards democratic reform provides hope that legislatures will continue to play a more active role in the development of their countries.

Legislative Development in Africa: Politics and Postcolonial Legacies

by Ken Ochieng' Opalo

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	291 pages
Item Weight	:	10.6 ounces

FREE