democracy

As chief law reform officer at the Malawi Law Commission, Dr Janet Chikaya-Banda oversaw a two-year constitutional review programme in 2004-6. In her timely account, she explains the importance of continuous, systematic law reform in young democracies and the role that it can...

Hannah Gibson describes how the death of President Mutharika sent shockwaves through Malawi’s fragile political system and argues that the fallout highlights the predominance of personalities in Malawian politics.

This Briefing Note examines some essential traits of recent African elections and considers their implications for future contests.

Multi-party elections are a salient feature of Africa’s rapidly evolving political landscape. International support for elections is prioritised above all other strategies for consolidating democracy. The legacies of political reform are diverse, and variable. Technology, natural...

In a briefing published on the 50th anniversary of Sierra Leone’s independence, Africa Research Institute examines the causes and history of electoral strife in the country. Every election since independence in 1961 has been attended by violence. Old Tricks, Young Guns: Elections...

Sierra Leone is acclaimed as one of Africa’s most successful post-conflict states. But the country remains fragile. Support for political parties is polarised on ethnic and regional lines, and underwritten by patronage. Youth unemployment is endemic.

While President Paul Kagame’s leadership of Rwanda has been championed as “visionary”, President Isaias Afwerki is accused of transforming Eritrea into a rogue, pariah state. Popular perceptions of these comparable countries have been simplistic – and polarised.

Donors must channel funds to replace lost skills, says Africa Research Institute. In a briefing published today – ‘After The Promises: Re-thinking UK policy in Africa,’ – the Africa Research Institute urges the government to dedicate a share of its international...

Multilateral systems to support peace and democracy have evolved faster in Africa than in other regions. In the past decade, diplomatic and military intervention in Africa has become more frequent and more assertive than in Latin America, Asia or the Middle East. Africa’s...

Coalition government in the UK is an opportunity to revise policy on Africa. More aid to Africa is touted as proof of politicians’ compassion and conscience. But an emerging cross-party consensus has ignored significant policy failures. Democracy, trade, technology and regional...