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The Instrumentalization of Women Opposition Leaders for Authoritarian Regime Entrenchment: The Case of Uganda
[journal article]
Abstract Electoral authoritarian regimes have sought to use a variety of tactics to remain in power even as they have opened themselves up to competition through multiparty elections. These tactics have included an array of measures targeting opposition women. They became significant in Africa after the 1990... view more
Electoral authoritarian regimes have sought to use a variety of tactics to remain in power even as they have opened themselves up to competition through multiparty elections. These tactics have included an array of measures targeting opposition women. They became significant in Africa after the 1990s as most countries adopted multiparty systems and ruling parties needed to maintain vote share. Ruling parties in African authoritarian countries strengthened their patronage networks by promoting women as leaders. At the same time, women in opposition parties have fared poorly compared to women in ruling parties and male opposition candidates. This has been the case even where one finds the special dispensation of a gender quota in the form of reserved seats. This article looks at how Uganda's ruling party has used various tactics to advance women leaders, responding to pressures from both the women’s movement and international actors while seeking to ensure its continued dominance. It reveals an essential feature of authoritarianism in Africa today, namely the instrumental use of women leaders to entrench the ruling party in power.... view less
Keywords
Uganda; East Africa; authoritarian system; political power; opposition; woman; political leadership; executive position; quota; instrumentalization; party in power; securing of power
Classification
Women's Studies, Feminist Studies, Gender Studies
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
authoritarianism; autocracy; parties; women opposition leaders
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 152-163
Journal
Politics and Governance, 11 (2023) 1
Issue topic
Women Opposition Leaders: Pathways, Patterns, and Performance
ISSN
2183-2463
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed