Abstract
This in-depth comparative study explores the complexities of coalition governance in Southern Africa, specifically focusing on Mozambique's remarkable absence of coalition governments. It sets it apart from neighboring countries where coalition experiences and party alliances are firmly established. The tumultuous contestation of the October 2023 municipal election results, marked by allegations of fraud and favoritism, sheds light on critical challenges within Mozambique's electoral system. This contentious episode highlights the need for comprehensive changes in the country's electoral regulatory framework, which is crucial for alignment with regional contexts and cultivating a political environment conducive to joint governance, particularly at the local level. In addition, it requires a re-evaluation, leading to improvements that increase transparency, fairness, and public confidence in the nation's electoral processes, and could bring the country closer to standards of electoral integrity.
TopIntroduction
Distinguished by its rich history and unique political trajectory, Mozambique is a notable figure in Southern Africa's governance landscape. Characterized by a significant political imbalance, primarily attributed to the dominance of Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) since the onset of democracy in 1994, the nation has witnessed a consistent stronghold on political power (Cortes, 2018; Nuvunga, 2014; Vines, 2021). As exemplified by the 2019 elections, FRELIMO's candidate, Filipe Nyusi, secured over 73% of the votes. Despite the existence of 27 political parties in the country, parliamentary representation remains limited to three, revealing a lack of political diversity and competitive pluralism (Jatula & Conshello, 2021).
With 25 years of democratic governance, Mozambique has yet to experience successful joint political ventures or coalitions. A pervasive climate of mistrust among vital political players, particularly political parties, has hindered the development of alliances in the form of coalitions. The chapter aims to address this gap by pursuing several objectives:
- 1.
It meticulously examines and compares the historical development of political governance practices in Mozambique and other Southern African countries, specifically focusing on the dynamics of coalition politics. This comparative analysis seeks to unveil insights into the region's unique trajectories and historical aspects of governance practices.
- 2.
The chapter delves into the factors influencing the formation and stability of coalitions in countries where such political arrangements exist.
- 3.
It assesses the impact of coalition politics on governance structures and policy-making processes.
Adopting an exploratory approach, the study integrates rigorous secondary source analysis through a comprehensive review of academic articles, books, reports, and news articles. These sources provide a foundational understanding of coalition politics and party alliances in selected Southern African countries and the noticeable absence of such dynamics in Mozambique. The chapter identifies Southern African countries with established coalition governments for a meaningful comparison. Information was also obtained from social media focused on posts from Mozambican political parties and respected individuals on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, renowned for political discourse. Thematic analysis categorizes social media posts based on key themes, including public sentiment, political discourse, and coalition-related discussions. The subsequent comparative study aims to distinguish commonalities, differences, and pertinent patterns, contributing valuable insights into Mozambique's governance and political stability implications.
This chapter embarks on a comprehensive exploration of Mozambique's experience with coalition governance, aiming to unravel the complexities and peculiarities that define its political evolution. The introduction provides a concise overview, emphasizing the distinctive nature of Mozambique's political journey within the Southern African region. As a guide to the reader, the chapter objectives are clearly outlined, setting the stage for an in-depth examination of Mozambique's intricate path in coalition governance or party alliances.
TopBackground
During the tumultuous period spanning the 1970s to the 1990s, national liberation movements, including the one in Mozambique, emerged as dominant political forces in southern African countries (Funada-Classen, 2013; Manning & Malbrough, 2009). The proliferation of multiparty elections in sub-Saharan Africa during the 1990s is attributable to the continent's broader democratic transition (Adejumobi, 2000; Lindberg, 2007). In these transformative times, extensive political and constitutional engineering processes accompanied elections to establish democratic institutions and structures (Adejumobi, 2000).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Governance Structures: Are the organizational frameworks, systems, arrangements, and instruments that guide institutions' management, control, and decision-making process, including the Government. Those mechanisms are essential to ensure accountability, transparency, and the efficient functioning of institutions.
Party Alliances: Are the collaborative engagements and agreements between political parties to cooperate and work to achieve common goals or objectives. These partnerships are likely to be adopted to strengthen the political influence of the engaged parties, increase election victory, or solve people's needs.
Coalition Governance: Is a political arrangement in which multiple parties form a government. In many cases, this collaboration implicates sharing power, decision-making responsibilities, and representation to achieve a majority in a legislative body. Political parties typically form coalition governments when no party secures a clear majority in an election.
Corruption: Involves institution representatives abusing power, position, or authority for personal gain or violating ethical standards for dishonest or unfair benefits. It is translated as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, fraud, or other unethical practices undermining the integrity and fairness of institutions, organizations, or individuals in both the public and private sectors.
Democratic Values: Are the principles and beliefs that direct a democratic system of government and aim to ensure fair and inclusive governance where the rights and interests of all individuals are respected and protected. These values include, but are not limited to, political equality, individual freedoms, protection of human rights, rule of law, transparency, accountability, and the participation of people in decision-making processes.
Democracy: Is a system of government in which power is granted to the people, either directly or through elected spokespeople. It adopts principles such as political equality, participation, and the principle of popular freedom, ensuring that people have the right to participate in decision-making processes to protect their fundamental rights and freedoms.
Coalition: Is an alliance between political parties created to achieve a purpose which is common and beneficial to all parties involved or to engage themselves in joint political ventures or activities.
Electoral Systems: Define how votes are cast, counted, and transformed into seats or representation in a political structure, including the legislature or executive component.