ABSTRACT
This chapter commences with a brief introduction explicating the debate linking presidentialism and the 'Big Man' metaphor, placing the argument within the broader debate on the executive dominance in Africa. It explores how political parties and party systems influence presidentialism, showing that the presidency draws its support from a large coalition of interests, including political elites of different ethnic affiliations. The chapter illustrates that apart from the initial act of making the government in parliamentary system, African legislatures have become very assertive, challenging the presidency and defying the crude generalization that they are mere 'rubber stamps'. It sums up the argument, showing the complex political institutional context within which it operates. The chapter examines whether the institutionalization and efficacy of these public finance management parliamentary committees has some bearing in redressing the legislative–executive power imbalance. It focuses on countries where parliamentary political parties and the legislatures have been able to exercise oversight powers bestowed on them by parliamentary prerogative.
