Is Botswana a Democracy?

When Botswana attained Independence in 1966, she broke ranks with the majority African countries that had gained Independence before her, by opting for multiparty democracy instead of single-party democracy then in vogue.

Four parties contested the first general elections in 1965. That hadn’t happened with the trailblazers, Ghana and the rest of them.  In the second general elections in 1969, four parties again contested, one had dropped out and a new one had been born. Multiparty democracy,  it was.

Botswana from the onset scorned the single party system/no-party system, which western countries coincidentally disapproved. Since 1969 Botswana has held general elections every five years. This record is impressive and probably led political observers to label Botswana, not only as a democracy, but a ‘shining example.’ Regular, multiparty general elections earned Botswana the endearing epithet!’

Editor's Comment
Bulela Ditswe entry fee could hamper broke talent

The fees have been doubled from the previous amounts and raise concerns about political participation accessibility and democratic representation principles.This significant fee increase prompts questions regarding its impact on grassroots democracy.On one hand, the fees act as a filter, ensuring only serious contenders enter the race, potentially reducing frivolous candidacies and generating crucial campaign funds. The BDP argues that aspiring...

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