What is it about?
Elderly elite in most of Africa constitute a barrier to the development of democratic institutions. Their role as 'middlemen' creates an ungoverned environment in which the citizens feel detached and alienated from government. The whole concept of deliberative democracy is peripheral to decision making as constituents are 'falsely represented'.
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Why is it important?
For governments to carry out their development task and service provision, there has to be wider consultation and opening of political spaces to filter through the voices of citizens through alternative models such as citizen assemblies.
Perspectives
This research raises important questions on people oriented system of governance. It highlights the importance of looking at alternative models of citizen participation and the role of government in calibrating a development vision based on the input of citizens rather than relying on the political elite.
Dr Charles Che Fonchingong
Canterbury Christchurch University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Legitimating Social Inequality: Political Elites, Ethnic Peddling and Dislocated Constituencies, European Scientific Journal ESJ, September 2016, European Scientific Institute, ESI,
DOI: 10.19044/esj.2016.v12n26p163.
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