Experiences
It has been another week of exciting experiences. I began the week at work by continuing my research on the constitutions of Anglophone African countries. This research continues to produce interesting results. I noticed a trend among some constitutions that use a Hybrid Presidential-Parliamentary system: the hybrid system tends to be accompanied by an uncommon electoral system where legislative delegates make a binding declaration on who they will support as chief executive. Thus, voters select legislative delegates (either wholly or in part) based on their preference for the chief executive. More research is required to say if the relationship between this electoral system and the hybrid model is indicative or just coincidental.
Midway through the week I was given an additional project to work on. I was asked to produce a case study on Guatemala’s Transitional Justice and Constitutional Reform Processes. After doing so much research on Africa, I appreciated the opportunity to broaden my horizons and research Transitional Justice and Constitution Building in a different part of the world. This experience contributed greatly to my understanding of these processes, and I appreciated knowing that my contribution will help other countries in their own reforms.
This past weekend I went to Berlin, Germany. Berlin is a beautiful city filled with stunningly grand architecture much more open and green space than I expected. The German reputation for efficient design also did not disappoint as the flow of traffic and infrastructure design was much intuitive than the Dutch counterparts. Berlin was an amazing experience from a symbolic perspective as well. From the Berlin wall to the Brandenburg Gate, so much of the city’s identity is rooted in unification and the breaking down of barriers. I found this to be an inspiring message in context of both the history of Germany in particular and of Europe in general.