Semipresidentialism and the Perils of Power-Sharing in Neopatrimonial States

Abstract

The debate about whether “pure presidential” regimes or “pure parliamentary” regimes are better suited to democracy has elicited a substantial scholarly literature. Yet few studies address the impact of semipresidentialism on the prospects for democratic stability. This article posits that executive power-sharing or “cohabitation” under semipresidential systems leads to a high risk of authoritarian reversal in neopatrimonial states. The article develops this theory through an examination of transitions in Niger, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Burundi, Mali, and the Central African Republic (CAR) then tests it on the 18 other semipresidential countries in sub-Saharan Africa.