Electoral Politics in South Africa: Assessing the First Democratic Decade

by J. Piombo (Editor), L. Nijzink (Editor)

Overview

Ten years into the 'new' South Africa, how does democracy function? This volume provides a retrospective on a decade of elections and democracy in South Africa. The book analyzes the evolution of the party system and electoral campaigns; tracks changes in public opinion and voter motivations; assesses the political implications of socioeconomic change; depicts the evolution of parliament and the electoral system; probes the often-tense relationship between media and government; analyzes the institutionalization the Independent Electoral Commission; and, finally, argues that South Africa is witnessing a 'normalization' of politics. The book speaks to a broad range of topics, all linked through the electoral theme, which get to the heart of many issues in contemporary South African politics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781403971234
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication date:	05/23/2006
Edition description:	2005
Pages:	297
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

Jessica Piombo is Assistant Professor, Naval Postgraduate School. Lia Nijzink is the Project Manager of the African Legislatures Project.

Table of Contents

PART I: A DECADE OF DEMOCRACY A Voice for Some; S.Friedman The Electoral Implications of Social and Economic Change since 1994; J.Seekings Voted Information, Government Evaluations and Party Images in the First Democratic Decade; R.Mattes Parliament and the Electoral System: How Are South Africans Being Represented?; L.Nijzink & J.Piombo The Administration of Election '04; C.Kabemba PART II: THE PARTY CAMPAIGNS The African National Congress; T.Lodge Peaking at a Plateau?; S.Booysen Torn Between the Nation and the Homeland; L.Piper Election '04; C.Schulz-Herzenberg Struggling to Represent the Left; T.Hoeane The Smallest Parties; S.Naidu & Mbongeni Manqele PART III: THE RESULTS AND ASSESSMENT Media Coverage in Election '04; G.Davies The Results of Election '04; J.Piombo

Editorial Reviews

'An invaluable and lively collection of essays on South Africa's electoral politics by the leading authorities in the field. Essential reading for all those interested in the 'New' South Africa.' - Anthony Butler, Associate Professor, University of Cape Town, South Africa

'Electoral Politics in South Africa is an excellent guide to the highs and lows of South Africa's first decade of democracy. Piombo and Nijzink have assembled an outstanding cast of writers whose essays illuminate not just the 2004 election but highlight how the nation has grappled with the transition from apartheid to multi-party democracy. The book makes essential reading for anyone wishing to understand where South African democracy is heading.' - Andrew Reynolds, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA, and Editor of Election '94 South Africa and Election '99 South Africa

'...this is a worthwhile book, with two excellent introductory chapters and much useful information, especially on the smaller parties...' - The Round Table

'As South Africa moves towards its next democratic election, it is important to understand the electoral trends that have emerged in the past decade. Electoral Politics in South Africa makes a valuable contribution to the body of work that contributes to that understanding.' - Focus

From the Publisher