Testing Democracy

“Testing Democracy: Which way is South Africa going?” is an assessment by democracy institute Idasa of the state of democracy in South Africa today. It draws on Idasa’s Democracy index – a unique barometer of 100 questions that measure progress in socio-economic delivery and the realization of the political rights of citizens. The book also interrogates the relationship between democracy and development and how underdevelopment prevents citizens from participating in democracy. Section one is a collection of experts’ writing on key issues such as the single-party state; development policy; poverty inequality and growth; the institutions of governance; the public service; and the role of civil society. Section Two, Idasa’s Democracy Index 2010, release Idasa’s findings on: - Participation - Elections - Accountability - Political Freedom - Human Dignity The third in Idasa’s Democracy Index series, this book argues that democracy needs economic development along with an embedded system of institutions, supported by active citizens and a vibrant political culture.