DEMOCRACY AND CONFLICT GENERATION IN AFRICA

Abstract

Democracy is described as majority rule over the minority. The values of democracy which are although relatively fair also have the capacity to be tyrannical in the face of the minority. With virtually absolute authority in the hands of the higher number under a democracy, a groups worth is based on the result of political and economic competition (Horowitz, 1986).There is a very close relationship between the concepts of democracy and conflict. The democratic system of governance is based on representatives as many interests as are found in society. Representation to a very large extent has been a major source of positive transformation and negative fracture of many developing 'societies. The act and art of sidelining or mainstreaming representatives make or mar societies. The human needs theory clearly explains the impact of; inclusion, survival, participation, recognition and autonomy in society, John Burton (1979), and how they drive the cause of violence in the absence of good governance. Democracy is an instrument for development. The values of democracy which are although relatively fair also have the capacity to be tyrannical in the face of the minority. With virtually absolute authority in the hands of the higher number under a democracy, a groups worth is based on the result of political and economic competition (Horowitz, 1986). There is a very close relationship between the concepts of democracy and conflict. The liberal theory was adopted. John Locke made tremendous contribution to the theory of classical democracy.. He regarded the consent of the people as the basis of political power. His contention was that political power is the trust of the people in the hands of the Government. He was also of the view that people in the state of nature had three natural rights: right to life, liberty and property. The researchers contend that the government of Africa should adhere to rules of law and good governance.