1 / 11

M&E-POL 441 Search for Alternatives

This article discusses the problems with majoritarian democracy and the potential benefits of embracing a consensus-based approach. It explores Africa's political history and Wiredu's insights on the subject. The article also examines Eze's critiques of Wiredu's arguments.

larrymartin
Download Presentation

M&E-POL 441 Search for Alternatives

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. M&E-POL 441Search for Alternatives Lloyd G. Adu Amoah, Ph.D Centre for Asian Studies[UG] Dept of Political Science[UG]

  2. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(I) • The Problem • Majoritarian idea imposed from without • Based on confrontation • Based on political parties • Stalls development because taking all power by parties becomes central focus • Majoritarianism institutionalizes discontent • Time for a theoretical challenge this

  3. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(II) • Africa’s Consensual Approach to Democracy • What is consensus? • Consensus immanent in African traditional politics • Africa’s political history provides insight on consensus • Wiredu and the Asante Model

  4. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(II) • Africa’s Consensual Approach to Democracy • Consensus premised on the idea that the interests of all members of society are the same(though perceptions of these interests may differ) .

  5. Denkyemfunafunu

  6. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(II) • Africa’s Consensual Approach to Democracy • Consensus does not mean the absence of disagreement; reasoning prevails so a decision rationally acceptable to all can be taken • Consensus harder to reach than majoritarian position

  7. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(III) • The Asante Model and Consensus • Matrilineal system • Kinship • Clans • Clan representatives at municipal level who together with the )hene govern; extends to paramountcy • Youth groups have reps on ruling council • Consensus reigns

  8. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(IV) • Wiredu’s Clever Move • Formal Representation(no party system but representative system nonetheless) • Substantive Representation(all agree in the decision made; not acquiesce)

  9. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(V) • Wiredu’s Insights • Africa’s democracy( party system based) heavy on Formal Representation • Africa’s democracy( party system based) light on Substantive Representation • Suggests a no party system • Parties replaced by interest groups

  10. Wiredu on Majoritarian Democracy(VI) • Benefits • De-institutionalize minority discontent which breeds conflicts • De-emphasize the extreme focus on winning power in order to impose the ruling party’s view • Refocus democratic politics on development

  11. Eze’s Critiques • Critiques • Romanticization of the Africa’s past political history • Overly rationalistic • Wiredu makes a case for one party states in Africa

More Related