Towards non-adversarial democracy: rethinking elections and representation in Africa

This article proposes a non-adversarial multiparty electoral system inspired by the indigenous Gada system in Ethiopia as a means of achieving a stable and sustainable democracy. The system emphasises cooperation, inclusivity, and consensus-building, incorporating elements of representative, deliberative, and participatory models. The article argues that this non-adversarial scheme can enhance the legitimacy of political institutions, facilitate effective policymaking, and lead to substantive policy outcomes that benefit citizens. By balancing the need for multiple parties with a non-adversarial political process, this model offers a viable alternative to current electoral systems and contributes to the discussion on the democratisation of Africa.