Democracy - A way of life

For it to work effectively, it requires institutions that nurture the culture of openness, transparency and accountability so essential for its survival. I have the happy birthright as most of you, of being part of this beautiful  country, Botswana, which prides itself in its ability to embrace this system of governance, for the benefit of every citizen; thus shouldering the heavy responsibility of putting the people first.  It is this responsibility, which demands respect for the basic tenets of democracy. In no particular order, I believe that our history and achievements call for the comprehensive embracing of:

*Majority rule
*No tyranny by the majority
*Freedom of expression, speech and the press
*Freedom of religion and belief
*The right to be treated equally under the law
*Rights of minority and disadvantaged groups
*A constitution which is respected and upheld
*Separation of powers,
*An independent judiciary, and
*An institutional system of checks and balances