Democratic transition in Eritrea 1993-2001 : causes of failure and future prospects

Abstract

This research aims to shed light on Eritrea's attempt at democratic transformation after independence, which failed and resulted in an authoritarian system sown during the national struggle for independence. The thesis examines the reasons behind post-independence Eritrea's failure to move towards a democratic form of government. It also seeks to explore the challenges and prospects for Eritrea's transition to a democratic system in the event the current regime falls. The study limits its investigation to the critical role of leadership, political institutions, and constitutionalism. The study’s analysis is mainly confined to the period between 1993 and 2001. To achieve its objectives, the study adopted a qualitative case-study and used institutional approaches as a framework to analyze and explain Eritrea's political transformation process's failure. It is ultimately a documentary research but also has the additional features of interviews and personal observations. The study found that the three most important factors leading to the failure of the democratic transition in Eritrea were: 1) The broken promise of leadership. 2) The absence of state institutions leading to the formalization of the authoritarian system. 3) The suspension of the constitution before it could take effect, leading to a squandering of the opportunity to move towards a constitutional government. Furthermore, the study showed that undermining the transition to democracy has been and continues to be the actual cause of Eritrea's crisis since independence in 1993. Finally, the study set out guidelines for Eritrea's future. It proposed a political process that would begin with the dictatorial reign's imminent demise and culminate in forming an institutionalized democratic structure.