Electoral Politics in South Africa: Assessing the First Democratic Decade - Paperback

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

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.

Author Biography

JESSICA PIOMBO is Assistant Professor, Naval Postgraduate School, USA.

LIA NIJZINK is the Project Manager of the African Legislatures Project, USA.