Power Alternation in African Democracies

Joseph Yinka Fashagba

Abstract

Before the return of multiparty democracy to Africa in the 1990s, monopolization of political power by one party or authoritarian regime was the hallmark of governance on the continent. However, in recent times, one of the emerging and increasing features of the new African democracies is that opposition parties now defeat the ruling party and gain power to rule. In some countries, the ruling and opposition parties have switched positions more than once. This study examines the social, political and economic factors driving the power alternation, focusing on Ghana and Nigeria. We employ survey research technique and archival data that we analysed, using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. The study argues that power alternation is driven by intra-party crisis, macro-economic crisis, corruption etc.

Keywords

Nigeria, Power alternation, Ghana, Presidential election, Fourth republic, democratic consolidation

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References

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