Parliamentary Elections and the Prospects for Political Pluralism in North Africa

In: Government & opposition: an international journal of comparative politics, Band 35, Heft 2, S. 211-236

Abstract

Argues that 1990s parliamentary elections in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, & Tunisia have been public displays designed to present an artificial picture of pluralism for purposes of preserving regime control. The political & economic context of each country is described, noting that there appears to be no contradiction in Algeria, Egypt, & Tunisia between promoting selectively pluralistic atmospheres while simultaneously undermining democratic transitions, while Moroccan pluralism seems compatible with the current regime's domination. A comparative examination of 1990s elections indicates certain similarities: exclusion of the largest Islamist parties to some degree, fragmentation of opposition parties, shifting electoral rules, omission of judicial oversight, & obvious vote rigging/distortion. In addition, Egypt, Tunisia, & Algeria have experienced significant weakening of social/political support for liberal politics. Regime attempts to build consensus are analyzed, along with differences in electoral law that have affected fairness in elections. It is suggested that prospects for political pluralism in North Africa seem dim &, although Morocco's 1997 elections were the most promising, the priorities of the monarchy remain undiminished. 9 Tables. J. Lindroth