Sri Lanka: surviving ethnic strife

Article Abstract:

Sri Lanka maintains its democratic tradition despite the prolonged ethnic strife between the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. The success of the People's Alliance in the 1994 elections confirms report of Sri lanka's functioning democracy. Sri Lankan has managed to uphold democracy in times of threat to economic and industrial growth, but devolution of power to minorities continues to be a major issue. The ruling party's laxity in initiating federalism and its violent suppression of opposition forces does not auger well for the island state's continuous record of democratic rule.

Analysis, Sri Lanka, Ethnic relations, Decentralization in government, Government decentralization

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The democratic invention

Article Abstract:

More people live under democratic rule than under dictatorship at the end of the 20th century. This demonstrates a great movement as there were only 12 democratic nations in the world in 1941. However, democracy faces constant challenges to its sustainability. These challenges include new types of racism, ethnic conflicts and social divisions. Nationally-based representative systems also face challenges posed by the internet and by increasing globalisation. Upholders of democrcy should face up to these challenges and ensure that democracy grows stronger because of them.

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Zimbabwe's eroding authoritarianism

Article Abstract:

The emergence of opposition parties and a strong civil society has eroded the authority of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU). However, the ZANU has used the police, intelligence agencies and its 'gukurahundi' policy of annihilation to suppress the still nascent democratic institutions. Opposition internal to the ruling party has called for the redemocratization of the Constitution in an attempt to curb the President's executive powers. Zimbabwe's numerous opposition parties, however, lack a strong leadership and voter support and are divided internally.

Laws, regulations and rules, Political activity, Zimbabwe, Political reform, Executive power, Political leadership, Legislative bodies, Reform, Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front

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