Owusu on Africa: Implementing Proportional Democracy versus Coalition-Building – Lessons from South Africa

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

There are several core values that are fundamental to democratic systems around the world. These include human rights and freedoms, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

One critical tenet is the right to vote and to be elected. This involves a system designed to select leaders at various levels of governance in democratic systems. While a free and fair process is essential, the specifics of these systems can vary greatly from country to country.

In some cases, different regions within the same country may have distinct electoral systems.

Electoral systems can be based on majoritarian voting or proportional representation, sometimes utilizing a party list system. Proportional representation is often used in multiparty systems and frequently necessitates forming a coalition government. Countries like Italy, Germany, and Israel are examples where this system is practiced.

Why is this important?

In 1994, South Africa adopted a multiparty democracy based on proportional representation to ensure diversity and fairness.

Interestingly, the overwhelming support the African National Congress (ANC) has enjoyed meant that a coalition government was never necessary. Unlike many European politicians, who are accustomed to negotiating coalitions, South African politicians have largely avoided this for three decades.

Recently, the ANC’s National Executive Committee held a marathon meeting to discuss potential coalition partners in Parliament. Time was not on their side.

Earlier suggestions from some party members to engage with the Democratic Alliance (DA) faced strong opposition from the grassroots. The DA, for its part, vowed to abstain from any coalition involving the MK or the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

No matter the choice, there was no easy solution. Jacob Zuma’s MK and Julius Malema’s EFF were partly responsible for the ANC’s current predicament, and both politicians are known to be tough negotiators.

Moreover, forming a coalition government is one thing; maintaining it is another. South African politicians, especially those in the ANC, need to master this art or seek advice from other nations. This is a time for leaders with Mandela-like qualities to emerge. Studying the leadership of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel could also be beneficial.

While discussions about the difference between a “unity government” and a “coalition government” continue, it is undeniable that negotiations are crucial in the current situation.

Editor’s note: In mid-June, the African National Congress formed a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party, excluding the more radical political elements.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.