Democratic Governance and Constitutional Restraint of Presidential and Executive Power: The Challenges in Africa

A number of African countries are in the process of negotiating new constitutions in response to demands for more democratic political systems or the resolution of institutional crises. This chapter identifies the issues that need to be addressed in relation to the presidency and the executive. Contemporary history shows a clear risk that the office and actual role of a strong president may become the starting points for a regime to transform into autocracy. The future of democracy in Africa is, among other things, predicated on the development of constitutional arrangements that guarantee viable institutions in which to conduct the business of governance. The chapter discusses the nature of measures necessary to enhance separation of powers and increase accountability in the exercise of presidential power. Keywords: Africa; democratic governance; legislation; Presidential power