A critical evaluation of the concept "developing democracy" with specific reference to Namibia

Abstract

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This research critically evaluates the concept of "developing democracy" with specific reference to Namibia. The study assesses whether Namibia qualifies as the developing democracy. Although the government committed itself, to defend democratic values for the past twelve years, and in fact, progress occurred to transform these into a fully- fledged democracy, a negative trend has been noted whereby political power is gradually and surely being concentrated in the executive, coupled with a steep decline in opposition parties' performance and a fading civil society. The research concludes that there is an urgent need to strengthen the legislature by reducing the size of Cabinet, respecting the Constitution and encouraging the full participation of civil society in policy formulation

The Namibian Government committed itself to defending democratic values for the past ten years of independence. However, a slow metamorphosis occurred to transform these into a fully-fledged democracy, and there has been a steep decline in opposition parties' performance. One might assume that Namibia is on its way to a one - party state. The central question this research tries to answer is whether democracy could be sustained in Namibia, when there are no strong opposition parties and an independent civil society