JSPES, Vol. 31, No. 3 (Fall 2006 )
pp. 265 - 277

ON AFRICA: 2
The Quest For Good Governance In Africa What Form Of Democracy Is Most Suitable?

Francis Offor

University of Ibadan, Nigeria

The author analyzes the concept of democracy, notably as it is perceived in the contemporary Western world, and refers to the present debate amongst African scholars as to whether it would not be better to abandon this "alien" political doctrine and turn to more traditional African values. He concludes that while traditional cultural values provide strength to a society, the Western concept of democracy is now a factor in African life, and because certain elements of popular democracy were often present in pre-colonial African society the best way forward in Africa is build on such elements as will help in the construction of an authentic paradigm relevant to the conditions in Africa at this crucial moment of her history.