ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses the factors (structural as well as human agency) that seem to have facilitated or inhibited democratic breakthroughs and the consolidation process in Africa between 1990 and 1996. It considers theoretical perspectives on democratic consolidation, and sketches the outlines of an analytical framework. The chapter considers prospects for the future of democratic consolidation in Africa. It focuses on selected trends in the democratization process in Africa over the past several years. In order for democratic consolidation to have a chance of succeeding, political institutions that are acceptable to the major stakeholders in society must be agreed upon by political elites, and they in turn must be able to count on the support of their followers. Political pacts are the result of deals negotiated among a number of elites representing distinct groups that constitute society. These can be ethnic, racial, religious, regional, or gender-based groups.
