What are we doing to advance the contours of democracy in Botswana?� :: Mmegi Online

15 September marked the International Day of Democracy. The UN International Day of Democracy is held on September 15 with a view to raise public awareness about democracy. Various activities and events are held to promote democracy and this also offers the world community a chance to reflect and celebrate principles of democracy. Thus, we need to ask; ‘what are we doing to advance the contours of democracy in Botswana?’

The 2015 International Day of Democracy’s theme is “Space for Civil Society”. Civil society refers to the wide array of non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations that have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or others, based on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) therefore refer to a wide of array of organisations: community groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), labour unions, indigenous groups, charitable organisations, faith-based organisations, professional associations, and foundations (The World Bank Group, 2013; Defining Civil Society).