The Nature of Political Parties in Africa: What Is the Role of Political Parties in a Democratic Process?

Abstract

Africa has constantly continued to grapple with the problem of national unity associated under-provided biased politics thereby indicating dangers for its young democracy. While political party conflicts are commonly inevitable in democratic set up with different party formations, the nature of such relationships that exist between or among them, play crucial role in democratic sustenance. In light of the above, democracy and party politics are not only connected but are also inseparable as there can be no democracy in the contemporary period that can be exalted without a viable political party. Thus, functioning of democratic system whether in advanced or developing democracies largely depends to some extent on the nature, composition, organization, ideals and institutionalization of political parties which in turn begets democratic consolidation. This research seeks to examine the nature of political parties in Africa, their legal and institutional framework and how they have been structured to promote democracy among various states in the continent Africa.