Democratic Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Twenty years into sub-Saharan Africa’s democratic renewal, an understanding of democratic governance has become established among political actors in the region. Democratic governance is characterised by: legitimation of governmental power through elections, legitimation of governmental politics through transparency, participation and accountability, and legitimation of governmental work through results. This conceptual understanding has asserted itself in African reality as the following paper argues: First and foremost, a far more vigorous public discourse about democratic governance can be observed, intensifying the pressure on governments to institute reforms. Despite numerous inconsistencies and weaknesses, the increased demand for democratic governance has led to ongoing improvements, at least in a group of countries in the region (manifested in fair elections, more transparency, more participation, and more domestic accountability). There are many indications that this is also reflected in improved socioeconomic outcomes. In short, democratic governance has become a reality in a number of sub-Saharan African countries and, in terms of development policies, democratic governance matters.

Key Descriptors: Governance, Democracy, Civil Society, Transparency, Accountability