ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of some key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book is a theoretically informed comparative analysis exploring the drivers of decentralisation reforms and the reasons why decentralised structures persist in autocratic states in Africa, which are contrasted with similar processes in democratic regimes on the same continent. It includes a comprehensive discussion of theoretical positions in extant literature on elections as contributions to regime durability and political decentralisation, as well as inductive empirical studies of instances where decentralisation has been introduced but implemented to varying degrees. The emerging literature on regime stability takes as a prerequisite that all politicians would like to remain in power if they can and that they strategise accordingly. Elections in authoritarian regimes are a consequence of autocrats' wishes to stay in power.
