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Democracy and political turnover experience in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Désiré AVOM

    (University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon)

  • Adalbert Abraham Ghislain MELINGUI BATE

    (University of Bertoua, Cameroon)

Abstract

This paper empirically tests the effect of the quality of democracy on the probability of re-election of African incumbents. A Probit model is estimated on a sample of 43 countries over the period from 1980 to 2020. Our results strongly show that the quality of democracy negatively and significantly affects the probability of re-election of incumbents. Disaggregating the democracy indicators shows that dictatorship practices significantly favour incumbents’ re-election. We recommend strengthening institutional mechanisms promoting political rights and freedoms to favour electoral turnover.

Suggested Citation

  • Désiré AVOM & Adalbert Abraham Ghislain MELINGUI BATE, 2025. "Democracy and political turnover experience in Africa," Les Cahiers du CEDIMES, Institut CEDIMES, vol. 20(4), pages 8-20.
    • Handle: RePEc:cxb:issued:v20:i4:n01
    DOI: 10.69611/cahiers20-4-01
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    References listed on IDEAS

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