Federalism and the Democratic Transition: Lessons from South Africa

摘要

What path should a country follow in its transition from autocracy to democracy? The most recent and perhaps one of the more successful democratic transitions occurred in South Africa with the election of Nelson Mandela as President in April 1994. This paper argues that the federal form of governance, which allowed for locally elected provincial governments with significant fiscal policy responsibilities, was essential for this successful transition. An appropriately structured federal constitution can allow for democratic rule by the (often poor) majority, while protecting to a significant degree the economic interests of the previous ruling (usually rich) minority.