Southern Africa's ruling parties will preach reform
Subject Southern African ruling parties. Significance Longstanding ruling parties based upon former national liberation movements (NLMs) govern across most of Southern Africa. Despite persistent allegations of corruption, declining national economic performance and widening inequality, these parties have regularly been returned at the ballot box. However, as peace dividends wear off and electorates demand more of their elected representatives, incumbents must tread carefully, both to maintain party unity and to bolster electoral support. Impacts Failure to implement politically difficult structural economic reforms could curtail South Africa's recent economic revival. A new party supported by Mugabe's allies may struggle to gain traction outside of his home province of Mashonaland Central. Angola's improving international reputation could be undone by persistent threats to media freedom.