ABSTRACT
In explaining the potential and known impacts of HIV/AIDS on political institutions, this chapter will not seek to engage in lengthy elaborations of the much contested concept of democracy but rather tease out certain common features for which global consensus exists; which may assist us to demonstrate empirical linkages. 1 The chapter will illustrate how HIV/AIDS affects three key institutions that play a significant role in political participation, representation, stability and governance:
political parties;
electoral systems;
parliament.
