The Politics of Challenging Presidential Term Limits in Africa - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3030408094 ISBN 13: 9783030408091

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2020

Synopsis

This book takes stock of the debate surrounding the institution of presidential term limits in Africa, against the backdrop of global trends toward authoritarianism and the rise of strong men. Widely adopted three decades ago, term limits for the office of the president are now being challenged by many African leaders. The power alternation debate in Africa raises important questions concerning the future of democracy and development on the continent. Using a case study approach, this book explores in detail six situations in which leaders have either succeeded or failed in altering term limits. It thoroughly dissects the arguments, tactics and strategies on both sides of the issue, and draws key lessons for strengthening constitutionalism in Africa.

About this title

About the Author

Jack R. Mangala is Professor of Global Studies and Political Science at Grand Valley State University, Michigan, USA, where he also serves as Chair of the Area and Global Studies Department.

From the Back Cover

‘Jack R. Mangala and the contributors to this volume are to be commended for providing nuanced understandings of the factors that influenced the success or failure of the efforts of some of Africa’s big men who tried to extend their tenures in office beyond the constitutional limits. Therein lies lessons which can empower Africans to take control of their own governance.’ 

― J. Peter Pham, Vice President for Research and Regional Initiatives and Director, Africa Center, Atlantic Council, Washington D.C., USA

‘Jack R. Mangala has produced another scholarly and well-researched book on a critical topic. … Jack’s detailed introduction clearly shows that it is neither a recent phenomenon nor a purely African governance issue that is about to go away. An excellent piece of work.’ 

― John K. Shinkaiye, Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ethiopia and OAU/AU and former Chief of Staff to African Union Commission Chairpersons, 2006 - 2012

‘This book makes a major contribution to both theory and praxis by interrogating the underpinnings and effects of the “third term phenomenon” by examining some of the major cases of both the successes and failures of the phenomenon.’

― George Klay Kieh, Jr., Professor of Political Science & Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University, USA

This book takes stock of the debate surrounding the institution of presidential term limits in Africa, against the backdrop of global trends toward authoritarianism and the rise of strong men. Widely adopted three decades ago, term limits for the office of the president are now being challenged by many African leaders. The power alternation debate in Africa raises important questions concerning the future of democracy and development on the continent. Using a case study approach, this book explores in detail six situations in which leaders have either succeeded or failed in altering term limits. It thoroughly dissects the arguments, tactics and strategies on both sides of the issue, and draws key lessons for strengthening constitutionalism in Africa.

Jack R. Mangala is Professor of Global Studies and Political Science at Grand Valley State University, Michigan, USA, where he also serves as Chair of the Area and Global Studies Department.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3030408094
• ISBN 13: 9783030408091
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 254
• Editor: Mangala Jack R.