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Problems of Categorizing and Explaining Party Systems in Africa

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  • Erdmann, Gero
  • Basedau, Matthias

Abstract

Starting from controversial findings about the relationship between party systems and the prospects of democratic consolidation, this article argues that problems can only be properly addressed on the basis of a differentiated typology of party systems. Contradictory research results do not pose an 'African puzzle' but can be explained by different and inadequate approaches. We argue that a modified version of Sartori's typology of party systems provides an appropriate method for classifying African party systems. Based on Sartori's framework, a preponderance of predominant and dominant party systems is identified. This can partly be explained by the prevailing authoritarian nature of many multiparty regimes in Africa as well as by the ethnic plurality of African societies. High ethnic fragmentation is not transformed into highly fragmented party systems. This phenomenon can be attributed to the most frequent 'ethnic congress party' which is based on an ethnic elite coalition.

Suggested Citation

  • Erdmann, Gero & Basedau, Matthias, 2007. "Problems of Categorizing and Explaining Party Systems in Africa," GIGA Working Papers 40, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:gigawp:40
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthias Basedau, 2002. "Zum Zusammenhang von Wahlsystem, Parteiensystem und Demokratiestabilität in Afrika. Kritische Anmerkungen zum Potential von Electoral Engineering," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 37(3), pages 311-333.
    2. Gero Erdmann, 1999. "Parteien in Afrika. Versuch eines Neuanfangs in der Parteienforschung," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 34(3), pages 375-393.
    3. Gero Erdmann, 2002. "Zur Typologie politischer Parteien in Afrika," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 37(3), pages 259-285.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nwankwo Cletus Famous, 2020. "Rurality and Party System Fragmentation in the Nigerian Presidential Elections of the Fourth Republic," Statistics, Politics and Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 11(1), pages 59-85, June.
    2. Marianne Kneuer & Andreas Mehler & Jonas Sell, 2015. "Conference Report: Neopatrimonialism, Democracy, and Party Research: The German and International Debate – In Remembrance of Gero Erdmann (1952–2014)," Africa Spectrum, Institute of African Affairs, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 50(2), pages 113-123.
    3. John Ishiyama, 2014. "Civil Wars and Party Systems," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 95(2), pages 425-447, June.

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