| This thesis provides an analysis of whether the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) can be considered a key variable in the establishment of institutional rule, rather than neopatrimonial rule, in Africa. Ultimately, the conclusion is that it cannot be considered as such. The APRM has been heralded as a voluntary, African-led solution aimed at establishing institutional rule on the continent. A comparative analysis of the juridical nature of the African state is provided, including how this background influenced the overall design and approach of the APRM. Ultimately, it is found that the design of the APRM, including its voluntary approach, is not robust enough to significantly contribute to the establishment of true institutional rule in Africa in the place of neopatrimonialism. The mechanism gives inordinate control over the process to the governments under review, with insufficient independent input to the content and monitoring of the subsequent National Plans of Action for improving governance under the APRM. |
