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Crafting Political Institutions in Africa. Electoral Systems and Systems of Government in Rwanda and Zambia Compared

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  • Stroh, Alexander

Abstract

Scholars of institutional design attribute large importance to the choice of new institutions. The comparative analysis of how Rwanda and Zambia crafted their new electoral systems and the systems of government regards procedural, structural and rational choice variables which may influence the option for particular solutions. External influences and the type of transition are determinants that can decide which actors make their interests prevail. The degree of innovation or conservatism of new institutions is mainly a result of the speed of the process and the kind of actors involved. However, rational reflections on how to produce legitimacy and minimize personal risks which take into consideration the state of conflict in the country decide on the speed and on innovative outcomes. The structured analysis of only two cases uncovers already that it is rather difficult to realise the transfer of design recommendations into reality.

Suggested Citation

  • Stroh, Alexander, 2007. "Crafting Political Institutions in Africa. Electoral Systems and Systems of Government in Rwanda and Zambia Compared," GIGA Working Papers 43, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:gigawp:43
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Arend Lijphart, 1992. "Democratization and Constitutional Choices in Czecho-Slovakia, Hungary and Poland 1989-91," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 4(2), pages 207-223, April.
    4. Huhn, Sebastian & Oettler, Anika & Peetz, Peter, 2006. "Exploding Crime? Topic Management in Central American Newspapers," GIGA Working Papers 33, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    5. Shugart,Matthew Soberg & Carey,John M., 1992. "Presidents and Assemblies," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521419628, September.
    6. Steiner, Susan, 2006. "Decentralisation in Uganda: Exploring the Constraints for Poverty Reduction," GIGA Working Papers 31, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
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    1. Stroh, Alexander, 2009. "The Effects of Electoral Institutions in Rwanda: Why Proportional Representation Supports the Authoritarian Regime," GIGA Working Papers 105, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.

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