"Semi-presidentialism" — a constitutional form of government with a directly-elected president as well as a prime minister responsible to the legislative branch — is explored in a new book, Semi-Presidentialism and Democracy, co-edited by Sophia Moestrup, NDI senior program manager for Central and West Africa.

The book breaks new ground by offering a truly global review of semi-presidential countries, and examining their differences in operation, performance, impact and evolution.

More than 50 countries currently have semi-presidential constitutions, starting with Finland, which adopted the idea in 1919. The system spread slowly — by the end of the 1960s there were only eight semi-presidential countries. But during the democratization wave of the early 1990s, 29 countries ratified semi-presidential constitutions. Since then, countries have adopted semi-presidentialism at the rate of about one per year.

Semi-presidential governments are especially prevalent in Francophone and Lusophone Africa, which used the French and Portuguese semi-presidential systems as models. Most Eurasian countries also adopted the system immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Semi-presidentialism gained popularity in part because it is a convenient option when there are internal divisions between those who support the adoption of a presidential or parliamentary system. When African and Eurasian countries were emerging from colonialism and authoritarianism, and seeking to transition quickly to democratic government, semi-presidentialism allowed them a quick compromise. Conversely, the system can also be attractive to autocrats who wish to remain in power but present a veneer of democracy.

Because the system can vary widely in its implementation, including how much power it gives to presidents, the book looks at different factors that can contribute to a successful semi-presidential system. With chapters on Haiti, Moldova, Portugal, Taiwan and Ukraine and further case studies from Finland, France, Mongolia and Timor-Leste, the book examines the many effects that a constitutional structure has on a democracy’s ability to survive, and how accountable and responsive semi-presidential systems are to the people.

Related:

• Read more about Semi-Presidentialism and Democracy»
• Order your own copy»
• NDI expert explores “semi-presidentialism” in Central and Eastern Europe»

Pictured above: The cover of Semi-Presidentialism and Democracy

Published June 1, 2011