Southern Africa is a region characterized by diverse traditional governance structures coexisting alongside modern democratic systems. Equatorial Guinea offers a unique context for examining these dynamics due to its historical and cultural influences. The mixed methods approach combines qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to gather data from a range of stakeholders including government officials, community leaders, and ordinary citizens. Data analysis will employ thematic coding for qualitative insights and statistical testing for quantitative findings. A significant proportion (35%) of respondents in the survey reported feeling that traditional governance structures influence modern democratic processes positively, particularly in conflict resolution mechanisms. The study concludes that while traditional governance structures can enhance the effectiveness of modern democracy, there is a need for greater integration and mutual respect between these systems to achieve optimal societal outcomes. Policy makers should consider developing strategies to foster dialogue and collaboration between traditional leaders and elected representatives to ensure sustainable democratic progress in Southern African countries.
Makokoña et al. (Sat,) studied this question.