The Northern Ireland model of consociational power-sharing is more successful in creating democracy in deeply divided societies than the integrative power-sharing model in South Africa

Abstract

Northern Ireland and South Africa are both noted as well know examples of consociational and integrative power-sharing. Both of these countries are used as models for other ethnically divided countries to follow to bring about peace and reconciliation. And while it is true that both countries were successful in bringing an end to ethic conflict in their regions, Northern Ireland via the Good Friday Agreement and South Africa via the 1994 elections and the 1996 constitution, it is also important to assess their effectiveness if they are to be used as a road map by other ethnically divided societies.