Free Elections and Political Instability in Lesotho
Since 1993, Lesotho has had six free elections. Five have been followed by episodes of coercive regional diplomacy or military intervention to maintain order or sustain the elected government. Two of these interventions have occurred as Lesotho’s electoral system was being transformed from a first-past-the-post dominant party system to a mixed member proportional pattern, and […]
Transforming Women’s Role in Local Government in Lesotho through a Women’s Quota
Lesotho introduced a quota for women in local government in 2005 amid different interpretations of the concept and the general preparations for elections. The phase II era of decentralisation, after the quota for women was introduced, was marked by the October 2011 local government elections. In both instances a deliberate effort was made to reserve […]
The State, Elections and Hidden Protest: Swaziland’s 2008 Elections
In many African countries elections are accompanied by conflict emanating from the concerns of different sections of the population. The continent has experienced numerous protests over election results or the manner in which electoral processes have been conducted. Yet while protest by organised groups has been admirably analysed by some scholars, their analysis falls short […]
Election Observation and Monitoring in Botswana
In an attempt to address the concerns of opposition parties, election observation and monitoring have in recent years become part of the electoral process in Botswana. This paper examines their role in Botswana’s electoral process. It argues that election observation and monitoring have promoted transparency and accountability as well as public confidence in the credibility […]
La Guerre, la Paix et la Democratie au Congo
Quelle est la nature du conflit armé en République démocratique du Congo? S’agitil d’une guerre civile, comme les médias internationaux persistent et signent ou avons-nous affaire à une guerre d’agression extérieure, comme l’affirment les autorités de Kinshasa et les patriotes congolais? Indépendamment de la position qu’on prendrait vis-à-vis du régime instauré par Laurent-Désiré Kabila au […]