The Endurance and Decline of Single Party Dominance in African States: A Case Study of Botswana and Senegal

Abstract

This article explores the underlying causes for the endurance and decline of single party dominance in Botswana and Senegal. The time period includes one-party dominance in Botswana under Botswana democratic party (1965-2009) and one-party dominance in Senegal under the socialist party (1978- 2000). The article uses qualitative research strategies with a comparative case study design. The investigation is based on a review of previous researches, published reports, government documents, and surveys websites. The article provides qualitative evidence that supports the argument that incumbent resource advantages are the most important underlying factors for the endurance and decline of single party dominance in Botswana and Senegal. Further research and quantitative evidence is necessary to test whether the same conclusion can be applied to other cases. This research contributes to the understanding of one-party dominance in developing countries.

Keywords: democracy, ethnic cleavage, historical legacy, institutions, one party dominance, political culture