The future of democracy in Africa
To reap its growth and development benefits, specific elements of democracy are needed.
Date: 2016-12-01
Time: 14:00 to 16:30
Venue: The Townhouse Hotel, 60 Corporation Street, Cape Town
RSVP: Tonia Wyngaard, Phone: +27 21 461 1417, Email: [email protected]
The number of democracies in Africa has increased and the level of democracy has improved. So why is democracy not delivering its development potential in Africa?
A new African Futures research paper provides answers by exploring the relationship between democracy, human development and growth in Africa. Findings point to the importance of the nature of governing elites, the quality of electoral democracy and the impact of patronage. Long-term forecasts confirm that democracy does matter for growth and development; but not just any democracy. What Africa needs most are regular, fair and competitive elections.
This seminar is co-hosted by the Institute for Security Studies, the Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office and the Hanns Seidel Foundation. Copies of the ISS paper will be available at the seminar.
Chair: Adv Mike Pothier, Research Co-ordinator, Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office
Speakers:
Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head of African Futures and Innovation, ISS and Chairperson of the ISS Board to Trustees
Prof Robert Mattes, Professor of Political Studies, Director: Democracy in Africa Research Unit, University of Cape Town and Senior Advisor, Afrobarometer
