Rural Democracy: Elections and Development in Africa

African rulers have responded to democratic electoral competition by implementing pro-rural policies to win the votes of the rural majority, leading to rural development benefits. This is supported by cross-national evidence from public opinion surveys and individual-level data on health and education outcomes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Despite the prevailing focus on electoral fraud, clientelism, and ethnic conflict, the book argues that the full story is somewhat more promising. While these unfortunate practices may be widespread, African rulers also seek to win votes through the provision and distribution of public goods and services. The author's central argument is that in predominantly rural countries, the introduction of competitive elections leads governments to implement pro-rural policies, in order to win the votes of the rural majority. As a result, across much of Africa, the benefits of democratic electoral competition have accrued primarily in terms of rural development. This broad claim is supported by cross-national evidence, both from public opinion surveys and from individual-level data on health and education outcomes. The argument's core assumptions about voting behavior are supported with quantitative evidence from Ghana, and qualitative historical evidence from Botswana presents further evidence for the underlying theoretical mechanism. Taken together, this body of evidence provides reasons to be optimistic about the operation of electoral accountability in Africa. African governments are responding to the accountability structures provided by electoral competition; in that sense, democracy in Africa is working.

Oxford Studies in African Politics and International Relations is a series for scholars and students working on African politics and International Relations and related disciplines. Volumes concentrate on contemporary developments in African political science, political economy, and International Relations, such as electoral politics, democratization, and political institutions. The series seeks to publish cutting-edge research that contributes to our understanding of African politics and International Relations.

Introduction:
The introduction of democratic electoral competition in Africa has been a subject of much debate and analysis. While some scholars have painted a broadly negative picture of African rulers' responses to this competition, others argue that the full story is somewhat more promising. This book seeks to contribute to this ongoing debate by examining how African rulers have responded to the introduction of democratic electoral competition.

Negative Picture:
The prevailing focus on electoral fraud, clientelism, and ethnic conflict has led to a largely negative portrayal of African rulers' responses to democratic electoral competition. These practices, which are often associated with authoritarianism and corruption, have been seen as undermining the legitimacy of democratic elections and perpetuating political instability. According to some scholars, African rulers have resorted to these practices in order to maintain their hold on power and prevent the emergence of rival political parties.

Promising Story:
However, the book argues that the full story is somewhat more promising. While these unfortunate practices may be widespread, African rulers also seek to win votes through the provision and distribution of public goods and services. This approach, known as "pro-poor governance," aims to address the needs and concerns of the rural majority, who are often marginalized by authoritarian regimes. By implementing pro-rural policies, African rulers can appeal to the rural vote and increase their chances of winning elections.

Central Argument:
The author's central argument is that in predominantly rural countries, the introduction of competitive elections leads governments to implement pro-rural policies. This is because competitive elections create a demand for accountability and transparency from governments, which in turn forces them to prioritize the needs of the rural population. The author suggests that this shift in policy priorities has led to significant improvements in rural development across much of Africa.

Evidence:
The book provides evidence to support its central argument. Cross-national evidence, both from public opinion surveys and from individual-level data on health and education outcomes, suggests that the benefits of democratic electoral competition have accrued primarily in terms of rural development. For example, studies have shown that competitive elections have led to increased access to healthcare and education in rural areas, as well as improved infrastructure and economic opportunities.

Core Assumptions:
The argument's core assumptions about voting behavior are supported with quantitative evidence from Ghana. The author argues that competitive elections create a demand for accountability and transparency from governments, which in turn leads to the implementation of pro-rural policies. This is because voters in competitive elections are more likely to hold their leaders accountable for their actions and decisions, which in turn motivates governments to prioritize the needs of the rural majority.

Qualitative Historical Evidence:
Qualitative historical evidence from Botswana presents further evidence for the underlying theoretical mechanism. The author suggests that Botswana's transition to democracy in the 1990s was driven by a desire for political accountability and transparency. This transition led to the implementation of pro-rural policies, which in turn contributed to the country's impressive economic growth and development.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the book argues that the introduction of democratic electoral competition in Africa has led to a shift in policy priorities towards the rural majority. While these unfortunate practices may be widespread, African rulers also seek to win votes through the provision and distribution of public goods and services. This approach, known as "pro-poor governance," has led to significant improvements in rural development across much of Africa. The evidence provided in the book supports the central argument and provides reasons to be optimistic about the operation of electoral accountability in Africa.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 231 x 153 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192882059