ELECTIONS IN AGRARIAN SOCIETIES

In: Journal of democracy, Band 6, Heft 4, S. 106-116

Abstract

THE RECENT TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY IN NAMIBIA AND SOUTH AFRICA HAVE PROMPTED RENEWED CLAIMS BY ADVOCATES OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION (PR) THAT IT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE ELECTORAL FORMULA FOR PLURAL SOCIETIES IN AFRICA AND ELSEWHERE. THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES VOTING BEHAVIOR AMONG RURAL POPULATIONS, ELECTORAL FORMULAS AND DEMOCRATICIZATION, THE DISTRIBUTION OF SEATS, AND, EXPLAINS DISPROPORTIONALITY. IT NOTES THAT ADVOCATES OF PR AND DEFENDERS OF SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICTS RUN THE RISK OF TALKING PAST EACH OTHER.