Party footprints in Africa: Measuring local party presence across the continent

The conventional view of Africa’s political parties holds that they are organizationally weak, with little presence at the grass roots. Yet, few studies based on systematically collected data about more than a handful or countries any given point. In this paper, we attempt to remedy situation, by focusing one crucial aspect party organization – local enables engage and mobilize voters during between elections developing first systematic, survey-based measure extent across 35 countries. We draw wide variety demonstrate validity reliability new index, in process showcase its ability be calculated number different levels. Finally, illustrate utility applying it key substantive question literature.