Political liberalization and economic reform in Africa

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Abstract
In Africa in the late 1980s, there were vociferous demands for both political liberalization and economic reform. The subsequent experience of a number of states suggests that it will be an uphill task to establish and maintain political democracy and to accommodate radical constitutional change. There are a few states where the prospects for democracy now seem hopeless; others where the transition to multi‐party competition has given rise to political tension and violence; and others again where electoral competition has been managed in favour of the incumbent regime. Fortunately, there are a few more encouraging cases: Zambia is one, though even here elements of continuity from the former regime may be as significant as elements of change. Most African states are pursuing structural adjustment programmes, partly at least in order to gain external support. Yet the price which they have to pay ‐ for example, in removing food subsidies and reducing public expenditure ‐ may be anti‐government demonstrations and political instability. Not enough attention has been given to building the institutional structure that the market economy requires. Though on the increase, privatization is not yet seen as a universal solution in Africa and its implementation has been subject to delay.

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