INSTITUTIONAL DYNAMICS AND HYBRID REGIME: LIBERAL AND AUTHORITARIAN DEMOCRACY IN THE CENTRAL AFRICA

Abstract

This paper discusses the institutional dynamics that support the coexistence of liberal and authoritarian democracy in Central Africa with special attention to Cameroon, Gabon and the Central African Republic. Political systems in the region are still marked with autocratic traits even after the formalization of democratic institutions like multiparty elections, constitutions and legislatures. The research design is qualitative as it relies on descriptive examination of academic sources, policy reports and institutional reports. It relies on comparative case study approach to examine how formal democratic institutions are frequently subverted by executive powers, poor judicial autonomy, restricted civil right s and political pluralism. Thematic analysis revealed that these regimes are hybrid systems, with democratic process being upheld
only to gain legitimacy, and substantive governance being authoritarian. The results also demonstrate that authoritarian resilience is strengthened by structural factors including resources dependency, poor state institutions and the effect of external geopolitics. The paper concludes that democratic consolidation in Central Africa is weak and lop sided with little achievement beyond procedural democracy. It suggests institutional reforms, greater involvement of civil societies and greater regional and international accountability mechanisms to foster real democratic governance and sustainable development in the region.