Democracy in Botswana

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.