THE LEGISLATURE AND LAW MAKING PROCESS IN A TRANSITIONAL DEMOCRACIES: PERSPECTIVES ON NIGERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The legislators represent the people in their various constituencies, so it is critical that they ensure the passage and implementation of laws that benefit the common man. The paper employed a qualitative approach in its analysis, with secondary data sourced from books, journals, and online resources.  While elite theory was adopted as its theoretical framework. This paper compares the legislative systems of Nigeria and South Africa. This is due to the two countries' unique histories. It should be noted that South Africa was under the minority rule of Apartheid until their independence in 1994, whereas Nigeria was under military rule with a brief period of democracy until 1999, when the military handed over the mantle of leadership to the civilian government. Comparing these systems brought to light the similarities and differences inherent in their legislative procedure. The study revealed that both the Nigerian and South African legislatures continue to face numerous challenges in carrying out their responsibilities, ranging from institutional arrangements, operational procedures, and individuals' attitudes toward their legislative role. The paper concludes by suggesting that there is a need for a unified political party guided by strong ideology, capable of exercising party discipline, upholding justice, mediating and reducing inter-organ conflict.