Local government matters: the ‘toilet elections’ in South Africa

Carole Rakodi is Emeritus Professor in the International Development Department and is currently attached to the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town as an academic mentor under a mentoring programme funded by the Mellon Foundation. Local government elections are notorious for low voter turnout, but the turnout for last month’s elections … Continue reading “Local government matters: the ‘toilet elections’ in South Africa”

Rwanda’s Upcoming Presidential Elections

Danielle Beswick is a lecturer in IDD.  Her research interests include management of political space and debate in a post-genocide society, Rwanda’s relationship with the UK, and Rwandan foreign and security policy in Africa, including contributions to peacekeeping.  She teaches Conflict in Developing Countries and Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development and co-convenes a module on … Continue reading “Rwanda’s Upcoming Presidential Elections”

Will the change of government affect UK aid policy?

Philip Amis is a specialist in urban poverty and institutional reform. Here at the University of Birmingham we feel we have been part of the recent UK election. The University’s Great Hall, which former students will remember as a venue for sitting exams and for graduation ceremonies, was transformed into a television studio for the … Continue reading “Will the change of government affect UK aid policy?”

2010 is the make-or-break year for Kenyan politics

Philip Amis is a specialist in urban poverty and institutional reform. I have known Kenya for nearly thirty years since I did my PhD at the University of Nairobi. I think in some respects the coming year is absolutely critical to Kenya’s future –and given Kenya’s critical geostrategic position, it will also be critical for … Continue reading “2010 is the make-or-break year for Kenyan politics”