ABSTRACT
More than forty-eight independent states on the African continent, only two states have a multiparty system of government: Gambia and Botswana. The rest, whether ruled by civilian or military leaders, are de jure or de facto one-party states. The first category of one-party states came into being through democratic and fair elections where the overwhelming majority of citizens in the state voted for a single party and whatever opposition there was seemed insignificant. Such was the case of Tanganyika under President Julius Nyerere and of Tunisia under President Habib Bourguiba. The best way in which the one-party system could promote rapid economic development would seem to be by providing increased national capital through taxation. It is estimated that African states need to raise 15 to 20 percent of national income in taxation so as to provide adequate public services and contribute towards capital formation.
