| | Is democracy finally on the horizon for Africa? Of late we have had a series of debates regarding the nature of 'democracy' in Africa and, in particular, the relationship that might exist between 'democracy' and 'development' . The foci of discussion needs to be extended from the realm of formal politics, to conceptualize democracy as it relates to the day-to-day lives of all the people. If democracy is minimally defined as people's right to participate fully in the discussions and decisions on issues that affect them and to take control of their own lives, then the issue of democracy cannot be relegated to the modus operandi of voting (or not) for politicians every so many years. This is not to say that elections are not an important element in the process of democracy. But to say that, in themselves, they constitute a small, if necessary, aspect. The reconsideration of the democratization process should move away from what has been called 'pro-forma democracy' , in which 'formal citizens' are directed by so-called mass parties, single national parties, national liberation movements and the like, to act in particular ways defined and imposed by autocratic leaders. The actual democratic practice (or lack of it) of all those groups which claim to represent the voice or interests of 'the people' needs to be scrutinized. |
