The Moral Economy of Elections in Africa
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The Moral Economy of Elections in Africa by Nic Cheeseman
Elections have long been seen as a way to foster democracy, development and security in Africa. This study of elections in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda over the last sixty years offers a radical approach to look at the ideas and behavior of participants in elections to demonstrate why elections have not transformed politics as was hoped.
'A fresh and nuanced exploration of elections in Africa through the lens of moral virtueHow do political actors – citizens, politicians, officials – endeavor to 'do the right thing' (as they see it) about voting, seeking office and managing the polls? Using multiple research methods, the authors uncover a range of complex popular conceptions of good leadership and proper elections. They find that, in resolving tensions between civic virtue and patrimonial obligation, many Africans are constructing forms of political accountability that are culturally authentic.' Michael Bratton, Michigan State University
'Cheeseman, Lynch and Willis critically examine the behavior of key actors in Africa's electoral processes. Drawing on the tension between civil and patrimonial registers, this book offers new and provocative insights into the dynamics of African elections. Highly relevant for students and scholars of African politics and beyond.' Sebastian Elischer, University of Florida
'A timely and important book on ideas of virtue and the moral economy of elections in Africa. It is comprehensive in its comparison of Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda and is an essential read for scholars of politics.' Peace A. Medie, University of Bristol
'Why do people invest time, money and energy in elections that are not free and fair? This provocative book draws on careful research in Kenya, Uganda and Ghana to persuasively argue that a politics of virtue is at play, in which both voters and politicians use elections to stake out moral claims. The book, which challenges conventional understandings of elections, such as those that focus on patrimonial and ethnic politics, is certain to gain recognition as one of the most important theoretical works on African politics.' Aili Mari Tripp, University of Wisconsin, Madison
'Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students and faculty.' C. E. Welch, Choice
'Cheeseman, Lynch and Willis critically examine the behavior of key actors in Africa's electoral processes. Drawing on the tension between civil and patrimonial registers, this book offers new and provocative insights into the dynamics of African elections. Highly relevant for students and scholars of African politics and beyond.' Sebastian Elischer, University of Florida
'A timely and important book on ideas of virtue and the moral economy of elections in Africa. It is comprehensive in its comparison of Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda and is an essential read for scholars of politics.' Peace A. Medie, University of Bristol
'Why do people invest time, money and energy in elections that are not free and fair? This provocative book draws on careful research in Kenya, Uganda and Ghana to persuasively argue that a politics of virtue is at play, in which both voters and politicians use elections to stake out moral claims. The book, which challenges conventional understandings of elections, such as those that focus on patrimonial and ethnic politics, is certain to gain recognition as one of the most important theoretical works on African politics.' Aili Mari Tripp, University of Wisconsin, Madison
'Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students and faculty.' C. E. Welch, Choice
Lynch, Gabrielle: - Gabrielle Lynch is a Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Warwick, and her research interests include ethnic identities and politics, elections and democratisation, and transitional justice and local reconciliation efforts with a particular focus on Kenya. Gabrielle has published numerous journal articles and book chapters. Her first book, I Say to You: Ethnic Politics and the Kalenjin in Kenya, was published in 2011. Gabrielle is an elected member of council for the British Institute in Eastern Africa, and has written a regular column in Kenya's Saturday Nation since April 2014.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781108404723 |
| ISBN 10 | 1108404723 |
| Title | The Moral Economy of Elections in Africa |
| Author | Nic Cheeseman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Year published | 2021-02-18 |
| Number of pages | 288 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |