Constructing democracy in transitioning societies of africa : constitutionalism and deliberation ... 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. 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 Front Matter....Pages i-xv Introduction....Pages 1-12 Principles of Constitutionalism....Pages 13-34 Democratic Transitions and Their Legacies in Comparative Perspective....Pages 35-59 Originating Participation: The Sovereign National Conference....Pages 61-79 Integrating Citizens And The State: Decentralization And Elections....Pages 81-100 Challenges to Inclusion: Constitutionalism And The Rights of Women....Pages 101-124 Experiments in Dialogue....Pages 125-153 Dialogue in Times of Crisis....Pages 155-171 Conclusions Dialogue And Legitimacy....Pages 173-177 Back Matter....Pages 179-245