| Description |
xv, 245 pages ; 22 cm |
| Note |
Originally published: Constructing democracy in transitioning societies of Africa. New York : Palgrave Macmillan, 2008. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages [213]-231) and index. |
| Summary |
"Forty-one different African states have adopted over fifty-seven new constitutions since 1989; yet few of these have become foundations for democracy. Failed transitions, subsequent instability, and violent conflict make it clear that democracy cannot simply be constructed by holding elections and implementing new constitutions. Unlike other attempts to explain both the frequent failures and the success stories of African constitutionalism by focusing on constitutional outcomes, Wing's study examines the process by which constitutions and democratic institutions are constructed. Based on extensive field work in Mali, this book explores how innovative constitutional dialogues involving participation, negotiation, and recognition of groups previously excluded from political decision-making may be the key to a legitimate constitution"-- Provided by publisher. |
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"Based on extensive field work in Mali, this book explores the process by which constitutions and democratic institutions are constructed. Wing focuses on how innovative constitutional dialogues involving participation, negotiation, and recognition of groups previously excluded from political decision-making may be the key to a legitimate constitution"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Contents |
Introduction -- Principles of constitutionalism -- Democratic transitions and their legacies in comparative perspective -- Originating participation: the sovereign national conference -- Integrating citizens and the state : decentralization and elections -- Challenges to inclusion: constitutionalism and the rights of women -- Experiments in dialogue -- Dialogue in times of crisis -- Conclusions: dialogue and legitimacy -- Appendix one: data from the question and answer assembly (Éspace d'Interpellation démocratique) -- Appendix two: messages received by the Malian National Conference -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index. |
| Subject |
Political participation -- Mali.
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Democratization -- Mali.
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Democracy -- Mali.
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Constitutional history -- Mali.
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| Added Title |
Constructing democracy in transitioning societies of Africa
|
| ISBN |
9780230109155 paperback |
|
0230109152 paperback |
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