Democracy in Botswana — 1990

The Proceedings of a Symposium held in Gaborone, 1–5 August 1988

Edited by John D. Holm and Patrick P. Molutsi

“The papers as a whole…present a comprehensive and balanced account of Botswana’s experience with a Westminster or majoritarian model of democracy. They also prescribe what specifically needs to be done in order to further advance democracy in this one–party dominant African state. Democracy in Botswana contributes a great deal to the understanding of how and why tradtional political culture and institutions, such as the Kgotia, play important roles in the process of democratization in the Third World.”

Don Chull Shin, Sangamon State University — Journal of Developing Societies

“Overall this book is undoubtedly essential reading for anybody with a special interest in the politics of Botswana…”

John A. Wiseman, University of Newcastle upn Tyne — Journal of Developing Areas

This book examines the character of Botswana’s democracy and provides an intense debate on the quality of popular control achieved. Topics covered include Botswana’s historical experience with democracy, public opinion, political rights, the impact of classes, groups and mass media on government policy, and grass–roots politics.

The authors range from important politicians to outside observers. Their differing points of view crystallize into a series of debates on the role of elected politicians, civil servants, chiefs, capitalists, foreign aid officials and group rights in the political system. Internationally recognized scholars expand the discussion by reflecting on how Botswana both mirrors and differs from other African countries.

The Democracy Project, consisting of faculty members from the University of Botswana, provided the stimulus for this book. In the year preceding the symposium, Project members collected data on various aspects of Botswana’s democracy. Ten of their papers are included in this volume.