African Parliaments Between Governance and Government [Paperback]

This book offers in-depth analysis of parliamentary development set in a historical context informed by Africa's post-1990s democratic resurgence. In particular, it illustrates how African parliaments are caught between the twin processes of being part of the machinery of government while exercising the function of holding government accountable.Introduction: The Changing Governance Role of African Parliaments; M.A.Mohamed Salih Parliaments, Politics and Governance: African Democracies in Comparative Perspective; W.Hout Legislative Quotas for Women: Implications for Governance in Africa; A.M.Tripp Local Assemblies and Local Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa; D.Olowu Citizen's Support for Legislature and Democratic Consolidation: Comparative study with special focus on Mali; R.Doorenspleet Evolution of Parliament-Executive Relations in Zambia; J.Momba Longitudal View on Ghana's Parliamentary Practices; K.Boafo-Arthur People, Party Politics and Parliament: Government and Governance in Namibia; H.Melber Parliament and Dominant Party System in Ethiopia; K.Berhan Parliament as a Machinery for Political System Control: The Inner Workings of Bunge, Tanzania; V.Wang A Decade of Legislature-Executive Squabble in Malawi (1994-2004); B.M.Dulani and J. Kees van Donge South African Parliament's Failed Moment; T.Hughes Conclusions; M.A.Mohamed Salih

'Scholars and policy makers interested in the developments of governance arrangements in Africa have long needed a thorough analysis of the changing role of Parliaments in this dynamic continent. Reading this book will provide an excellent up-to-date overview of changes in the role of African parliaments at national and local levels and across multiple countries. The book also informs us about how African assemblies are continuing to retain an important cultural role while they also change in function over time. A very useful synthesis.' - Elinor Ostrom, Center for the Study of Institutions, Population, and Environmental Change,l“$