Governance Perspectives is a monthly newsletter published by the Governance and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Governance Perspectives aims to contribute to a robust and informed debate on the nature of Africa's governance challenges and successes. We hope to keep civil society groups, researchers, governments and development partners informed about issues relating to governance, accountability and democracy. Each month, Governance Perspectives will feature a SAIIA Occasional Paper as well as opinion articles, and links to interesting, relevant new material.

We hope that you will visit our website to subscribe in order to continue receiving this newsletter, and look forward to hearing your views. Steven Gruzd, Programme Head steven.gruzd@wits.ac.za

We draw our readers’ attention to two articles in Africa News Online written by Kenyan journalist Jerry Okungu, APRM South African Secretariar in Turmoil and APRM Continental Secretariat Troubles: A Special Report published on 29 March 2009.

by Paul Hoffman

Democracy and Accountability: Balancing Majority Rule and Minority Rights (English) [.pdf]
Accountability is the essential ingredient required to make the ideals of constitutionalism a reality.
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Démocratie et responsabilité : Equilibrer le principe majoritaire et les droits de la minorité (French) [.pdf]
La responsabilisation est l'ingrédient principal nécessaire pour faire les idéaux du constitutionnalisme une réalité.
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by Yarik Turianskyi

Common African Political Governance Issues: Lessons from Six Early APRM Reports (English) [.pdf]
Analysis of the first six APRM Country Review Reports reveals common problems concerning political governance, albeit to different degrees. Do the solutions proposed hold promise?
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Now availble to download for free.

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is an innovative approach to improving African governance. It offers important opportunities for public dialogue but has proved politically and logistically challenging. The first in-depth study of the APRM, this ground-breaking book analyses the evolving peer review process in the first five countries.

The product of a five-year research and training programme, it combines in-depth analysis of the APRM rules with an insightful evaluation of the political and social dynamics. Drawing on extensive interviews across the continent, it offers sounds recommendations to strengthen the process and deepen public participation. An invaluable resource for civil society and governments, this volume includes an interactive APRM Toolkit CD-ROM with the official APRM guidelines, final country reports, survey instruments, academic papers, video testimonials and a comprehensive collection of the governance codes and standards embraced by the APRM.
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