Botswana's Parliamentary Democracy Revisited

This is a comprehensive, honest, and thought-provoking examination of Botswana as a world-renowned model of long-established democracy and political stability. Written by distinguished scholars and experts based mainly at the University of Botswana, this book offers a challenging and fascinating assessment of Botswana's unique democracy, significantly advancing our understanding of the country and its politics. The contributors have utilised their varied, rich, and practical expertise in areas such as politics, law, and international relations to produce a deeply scholarly yet accessible and refreshing account of Botswana. This interdisciplinary approach offers interesting insights into Botswana's past and present, as well as helping to unravel the challenges and prospects the country still faces. The book is divided into four parts: primary institutions in parliamentary democracy; secondary institutions; political participation; and the regional and global context. Each section offers a thorough and path-breaking analysis of critical aspects of Botswana's unique democracy, as well as providing possible lessons to be gleaned from the country's experience of a sustained multi-party democracy, unique in its cultural context. The novelty of the work lies in its comprehensive and robust probe into every aspect of Botswana's democracy. It stands alone in its interrogation of institutions of parliament; the executive and the judiciary; the electoral system; the nature of local governance; the media; the church; and the private sector. Also shown is Botswana's active role in international relations, unconstrained by its small-power status. Issues of gender and ethnicity are also explained in a delicate and sensitive manner. This book will have a wide appeal to scholars, students, and the general public. [Subject: African Studies, Politics]