If ever proof was needed that competition - and its political manifestation, democracy - is as humanly innate as Darwin claimed, it is in the constant, sometimes violent challenges that confront one-party states. The Arab world is experiencing the ultimate expression of the universal opposition to a life without choice and the desire for political freedom: revolution across the Middle East. Another, more common manifestation is the constant turmoil that rages inside what are meant to be monolithic ruling parties. When they are not tracking protests against the state, for instance, China watchers are forever reading the runes of Asia's future through the jossling of reformers and conservatives among the Communist Party. In Africa, home to more one-party states than any other continent, two giants are evolving because of dramatic changes at the top of the ruling party. In Nigeria, Jonathan Goodluck's ascension to the leadership of the People's Democratic Party, and thereby the Presidency, signals reforms in economics if not politics. Sudan is heading in the other direction, turning more militant and Islamist now the generals have subordinated President Omar al-Bashir in a coup inside the National Congress Party.
To that list, add South Africa.
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