Democracy in Conflicting Ethnic Pluralism: Two Tales of Success and Failure in Ghana and Côte D’Ivoire

Abstract

While most of the literature on African politics has pointed out the flaws of democracies trapped by patent ethnicity, few studies have explored ways and conditions under which a pluralist democracy can contribute to the consolidation of peaceful political process in ethnically divided societies. Building on two case studies, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, this study argues that for democracy to be functional, it has seriously to take into account the fragmented structure of multi-national societies in which loyalties to ethnic communities are more deeply rooted than the newly planted loyalty to the state. The proactive integration of representatives of various ethnic communities in the executive committees of political parties and in the government turns the parties and the government into a framework of debate and pressure where the various ethno-national entities may present their grievances and demands for more equality. This reduces political violence. Instead of disqualifying ethnicity in political processes, one should therefore strive to understand and channel the influence of identity membership while upholding democratic principles.