The political consequence of electoral systems, substantive issues with special reference to Namibia's electoral PR list system

Abstract

Preface provided by author:

The recent wave of democratization across the world and specifically in Africa has demonstrated the need, demand and value of democracy. Democracy necessarily means representative democracy, while an electoral system determines the means of representation. It is therefore one of the most fundamental elements of representative democracy

The aim of this thesis is to explore the various electoral systems in existence, their operations, the political consequences they yield and how they impact on the process of democratic consolidation and the party system. Special emphasis is placed on the method of translating the votes into seats

It also focuses on how these arrangements shape the perceptions of the electorate, the minorities, the opposition and the marginalized sections of the population, especially in societies divided on ethnic, religious, linguistic and racial lines, most of which are found in Africa

It is therefore an analysis of how electoral systems through their influence can help to configure power relations and the socio-political and economic order in polarized societies, thereby enhancing or obstructing economic development, peace and governmental stability

The choice of a particular electoral system has a profound effect on the future of the country in which it operates. Any new democracy has to choose an electoral system to facilitate the formation of its parliament or other structures of representation. Such decisions are often affected by current or past circumstances. The choice that is made may or may not be the best amongst the alternatives for the country's long-term development. Positively it may enhance the political system's potential for accommodation and compromise. Conversely, it may lead the country into disastrous consequences

The consideration of political advantage is almost always the factor in the choice of electoral systems. The pool of available electoral systems is often relatively constrained. Calculations of short-term political interests can also obscure the long-term consequences of particular electoral systems and the interests of the wider political system

For Namibia, democratic consolidation is a consummate value. The thesis is therefore an attempt to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the three most widely used electoral systems and their variant types. In Namibia, efforts are being made to adopt institutions which are strong enough to promote stable democracy, but flexible enough to react to changing circumstances. In my opinion the PR system in general seems to be the only viable option, capable of engineering co-operation and accommodation as well as good governance and responsive accountable leadership., I