In the second chapter, I highlighted, how the British when allowing Indipendence to their African colonies, just like in India, advocated for parliamentary systems with regional federations. They did this because those countries were multi ethnic,and a form of government that gave each ethnic group,a seat at the table was the way to sustain peace in these new and fragile democracies. The African founding fathers however, from Kwame Nkurumah in Ghana to Milton Obote and Jomo Kenyatta in East Africa, opted for presidential systems.
This changed the course of African history establishing tribal elitism, that is the source of tension, in many African countries.
My theory however suggests, that a Parliamentary system, would greatly harmonize the rival ethnic groups in this country. So here's how a Parliamentary system would change African politics;
1. Reduced Tribal Elitism.
I highlighted how the Kikuyu of Kenya and the Hausa-Fulani of Nigeria dominate politics in their respective countries. This has led to the disenfranchisement of other tribes within those countries. With a Parliamentary system however, the other tribes could form a coalition of parties to defeat the elitism of one tribe, even though they have big populations. Thus the message that will be sent in the process is that a tribe that seems to agressively promote itself in politics will be the common enemy of other tribes. With time, governments in power start catering to the needs of all tribes and regions. This will end ethnic tensions,and perhaps be a solid start to the end of negative ethnicity.
2. Acceptable Election Results.
Time and time again,after elections in African countries, violence erupts over contested results. Tribal clashes, every election cycle has become a norm. The opposition, usually discredits the results, and calls supporters to demonstrate. This supporters are met with a brutal police force. The opposition then accuse the government of brutality and dictatorship, while the governing party accuses the opposition of anarchy . It is a script that is all too familiar with many African democracies. The problem then is that we have opposition tribes and regions that are constantly fed on the information that the government is corrupt and steals elections. It doesn't help when the leaders in power are from the same tribe. It only reaffirms the claims made by the opposition. Thus we have regions in countries, such the Igbo in Nigeria and the Bakivu in DRC,who are constantly beating the drums and dancing to the tune of secession from their mother countries. Such talk is bitter and dangerous, hints at war and does nothing good in terms of natio building.
A Parliamentary system however, would solve this problems of contested elections and bloody clashes. The government,is formed by the winning party. Thus in every election they will always be a clear winner, or a coalition of winners. When this happens, the opposition may not take advantage of uncertainty to cause chaos. It also means the election results are more trustworthy,as rigging more than 200 constituency/district level elections is a tall order. And I daresay, Impossible.
3. Under-developed Regions
Thirdly, it Will allow for members from historically under-privileged regions to come together,win power, and use executive power to bring Changes in their regions.
YOU ARE READING
Presidential Systems are Outdated
Non-FictionWhy Presidential systems don't work!! We should try Parliamentary systems instead.
