The state of democracy in South Africa

Abstract

South Africa's first universal suffrage election of 1994 inaugurated a transition from apartheid to democracy. Yet there remains perpetual debate about the quality of that democracy, notably with regard to three issues: the tension between democracy and South Africa's status as a ‘dominant party state'; an incipient clash between democracy and constitutional liberalism; and whether the state has the capacity to realise the ambitious aims outlined in its constitution given the weight of apartheid social deficits. Using Baker's methodology for ‘auditing democracy’, this article assesses the state of democracy in South Africa via discussion of (i) the electoral process; (ii) the openness and accountability of government; (Hi) civil and political rights; and (iv) an examination of the attitudinal basis underlying the shift to democracy. The article concludes on a cautiously optimistic note, arguing that, although South Africa faces multiple dilemmas and many long term challenges which could work to erode its democratic potential, democracy is acquiring a basic, rude strength.