Saleshando presents Democratic Alert :: Mmegi Online

After 47 years of ushering in self-rule, Botswana is still struggling to assert her democratic credentials. Countries far younger than Botswana such as Namibia and South Africa have far more democratic systems than those that prevail in Botswana. In particular, the manner in which national elections are conducted is a clear embodiment of the democratic deficit that prevails in the country.

This democracy alert serves to further put into focus the insufficiencies of Botswana’s democracy as we move closer to the 2014 general elections. It also serves to make proposals for reforms in the electoral laws and system to make them more inclusive, fair and democratic.

The BCP believes that if these issues are not addressed as a matter of urgency, Botswana’s democratic credentials will continue to diminish. Botswana has been hailed as a shining example of democracy and a beacon of hope on the African continent. While this may have been true at the time when the continent was dominated by military and minority repressive regimes, this is no longer the case as Botswana has been overtaken by new. The Botswana Congress Party views Botswana’s democracy as deficient and out of step with what is expected in a modern day liberal democracy. Botswana conducts generally free elections every five years. It has a multi-party system that allows the people to vote a political party of their choice.

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