Constitutionalism as a lasting Solution to Governance and Underdevelopment in Africa

Abstract

This Paper identifies the absence of constitutionalism as a major challenge to political governance in post-independence Africa. It examines the negative consequences this has on socio-economic and political development of the continent, which include: widespread corruption, bad governance, weak political institutions and economic stagnation, which have bedeviled the continent since independence. As a way forward, the Paper  recommends such approaches that can promote constitutionalism as the need for a participatory approach in constitution-making which would  involve the people, constitutional literacy for the people, and a limited government that respects the rule of law.

Keywords: Constitutionalism, Constitution, Authoritarianism, Development, Democratization.