Abstract
This article examines Ghana’s efforts in advancing its democratic consolidation since the country transitioned from authoritarian regime to a multiparty democracy in 1992. At the center of this democratic development is the country’s conduct of successful multiparty elections, although these elections have often been characterized by irregularities. Given the upward trajectory of Ghana’s democracy through repetitive elections, the article draws on the concept of repetitive multiparty elections/democratization to examine whether Ghana’s efforts at democratic progress through repetitive elections, although deficient in some respects, have helped to advance the country’s democratic development or not. The significance of the article rests on the argument that the conceptual idea of repetitive multiparty elections, even when flawed, provides utility in the attempt to better understand the role of elections and democratic advancement in Ghana. Keywords: Ghana, Repetitive Multiparty Elections, Democratization, Democratic Development DOI : 10.7176/JESD/11-2-01 Publication date: January 31 st 2020
Highlights
The wave of democratization or democratic reforms that swept across the world about three decades ago after the Cold War ended and the subsequent transformation of the political landscape of developing countries where authoritarian regimes succumbed to multiparty elections/political reforms (Huntington, 1992) have essentially not escaped countries in Africa (Frempong and Asare, 2017)
We draw on Anglin’s (1998) reasoning to argue that the framework through which these international observer groups operate in Africa, for that matter Ghana, is shaped by their liberal democratic ethos. We argue that these external groups have supported transitional democratic governments that adhere to rule-based repeated multiparty elections, even when flawed with the hope that the democratic culture will develop over time
The successful conduct of several multiparty elections in Ghana since 1992 has elevated the country to the inner circle of emerging democratic societies in the Global South following the demise of the Cold War
Summary
The wave of democratization or democratic reforms that swept across the world about three decades ago after the Cold War ended and the subsequent transformation of the political landscape of developing countries where authoritarian regimes succumbed to multiparty elections/political reforms (Huntington, 1992) have essentially not escaped countries in Africa (Frempong and Asare, 2017). The third or concluding part draws on the six conceptual elements of Lindberg’s (2006b) concept with the literature to analyze whether Ghana’s repetitive multiparty elections and the role of key state actors (e.g., the EC, civic society groups, judiciary and the media) engaged in the electoral process are helping or hurting the country’s democratic advancement.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
