Party System Competition and Private Sector Development in Africa. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pitcher, M. Anne
• Is Part Of: Journal of development studies. Volume 53:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Economic development -- Periodicals; Economic history -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Développement économique -- Périodiques; Histoire économique -- 1945- -- Périodiques; Pays en voie de développement -- Conditions économiques -- Périodiques; 338.91
• DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2016.1171848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0388

Abstract

Abstract: Democratic transitions by many African countries have generated much analysis of the organisational features of political parties or their role in voter mobilisation during elections. Yet, scholars have largely overlooked how parties negotiate economic policymaking or interact with the private sector in countries that are incipient democracies and emerging markets. This article argues that the stability or fragmentation of the party system affects patterns of private sector development and shapes linkages between the state, business and labour. It compares Mozambique and Zambia to demonstrate how variations in party system characteristics influence the relationship between economic and political interests.