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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.

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M&E-POL 441 Search for Alternatives

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  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

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