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The 2009 APSA Africa Workshop on "Elections and Democracy" was convened in Accra, Ghana from June 21-July 10, in partnership with the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon. The workshop was led by Daniel Smith from the University of Florida, Kevin Fridy from the University of Tampa, Beatrix Allah-Mensah from the University of Ghana, Legon, and Ukoha Ukiwo from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

This workshop brought together 28 political scientists from across Africa and the United States. 19 Africa-based participants from 10 different countries and four US-based graduate students were competitively selected. The group included 5 women and 18 men.

Africa-based participants:
• James Arrey Abangma, Cameroon
• Henry Amadi Odongo, Kenya
• Jasper Ayelazuno, Ghana
• Sulaiman Balarabe-Kura, Nigeria
• Mohammad Bakari, Tanzania
• Maame Gyekye-Jandoh, Ghana
• Victor Adefemi Isumonah, Nigeria
• Edou Mvelle Edou Lubanda, Kenya
• Ziblim Iddi, Ghana
• Henry Kam Kah, Cameroon
• Peter O. Mbah, Nigeria
• Clive J. Napier, South Africa
• Nna-Emeka Chibueze Okereke, Nigeria
• Freedom C. Onuoha, Nigeria
• Mashood Omutosho, Nigeria
• El Hassan Ould Ahmed, Mauritania
• Abdoul Karim Saidou, Niger
• Bertrand Tchantcho, Cameroon
• Sita Zougouri, Burkina Faso

Helena Saele (APSA Staff), Daniel Smith, Beatrix Allah-Mensah, Kevin Fridy, Ukoha Ukiwo

US-based graduate students:
• Keith Weghorst, University of Florida
• Jaimie Bleck, Cornell University
• Kristin Michelitch, NYU
• Sybille Ngo Nyeck, UCLA

The workshop focused on the comparative study of electoral systems and political behavior in Anglophone Africa. Using a wide range of literature across five sub-themes (click here to view the 2009 Reading List), participants were encouraged to explore and challenge the dominant approaches to the study of electoral systems and political campaigns. A core activity of the workshop was for each participant was to develop their individual research and present their progress to the group. Guest speakers, social events, and local outings were also part of the calendar (click here to view the 2009 Workshop Schedule), including trips to Kumasi and Cape Coast.