| Botswana |
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Politics of Botswana takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Botswana is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament of Botswana. Since independence the party system has been dominated by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has never lost power since independence. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
Botswana is formally a multiparty constitutional democracy. Each of the elections since independence in September 1966 has been freely and fairly contested and has been held on schedule. The country's small white minority and other minorities participate freely in the political process. There are two main rival parties and a number of smaller parties. Some argue that the openness of the country's political system has been a significant factor in Botswana's stability and economic growth. General elections are held at least every 5 years.[1]
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The National Assembly has 57 elected and 4 appointed members [1]; it is expanded following each census (every 10 years). Parliament elects the state president.
There are 57 parliamentary constituencies in Botswana.[2]
The advisory House of Chiefs represents the eight principal subgroups of the Batswana people, and four other members are elected by the subchiefs of four of the districts. A draft of any National Assembly bill of tribal concern must be referred to the House of Chiefs for advisory opinion. Chiefs and other leaders preside over customary, traditional courts, though all persons have the right to request that their case be considered under the formal British-based legal system.
A possible cultural explanation for Botswana's democracy lies in Setswana traditions, exemplified by the Kgotla, or village council, in which the powers of traditional leaders are limited by custom and law.
Botswana's cabinet is headed by the President, who is also head of government.
| Office | Incumbent |
|---|---|
| President | Ian Khama |
| Vice president | Mompati Merafhe |
| Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration | Lesego Motsumi |
| Minister of Local Government | Lebonamang Mokalake |
| Minister of Trade and Industry | Baledzi Gaolathe |
| Minister of Finance and Development Planning | Kenneth Matambo |
| Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture | Shaw Kgathi |
| Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources | Ponatshego Kedikilwe |
| Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology | Johnnie Swartz |
| Minister of Defence, Justice and Security | Dikgakgamatso Seretse |
| Minister of Agriculture | Christian De Graaf |
| Minister of Works and Transport | Frank Ramsden |
| Minister of Labour and Home Affairs | Peter Siele |
| Minister of Health | John Seakgosing |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation | Phandu Skelemani |
| Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism | Onkokame Mokaila |
| Minister of Education and Skills Development | Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi |
| Minister of Lands and Housing | Nonofo Molefhi |
Source: [2]
Local government is administered by nine district councils and five town councils. District commissioners have executive authority and are appointed by the central government and assisted by elected and nominated district councilors and district development committees. There has been ongoing debate about the political, social, and economic marginalization of the San (indigenous tribal population). The government's policies for remote area dwellers continue to spark controversy and may be revised in response to domestic and donor concerns.
| Parties | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botswana Democratic Party | 290,099 | 53.26 | 45 | +1 | ||
| Botswana National Front | 119,509 | 21.94 | 6 | –6 | ||
| Botswana Congress Party | 104,302 | 19.15 | 4 | +3 | ||
| Botswana Alliance Movement | 12,387 | 2.27 | 1 | +1 | ||
| Independents | 10,464 | 1.92 | 1 | +1 | ||
| Botswana People's Party | 7,554 | 1.39 | 0 | — | ||
| Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin Movement | 292 | 0.05 | 0 | — | ||
| Tlhoko Tiro Organisation | 40 | 0.00 | 0 | — | ||
| Valid votes | 544,647 | 98.12 | ||||
| Invalid votes | 10,431 | 1.88 | ||||
| Totals | 555,078 | 100.00 | 57 | — | ||
| Electorate and voter turnout | 723,617 | 76.71 | ||||
| Source: Independent Electoral Commission | ||||||
Botswana's High Court has general civil and criminal jurisdiction. Judges are appointed by the president and may be removed only for cause and after a hearing. The constitution has a code of fundamental human rights enforced by the courts, and Botswana has a good human rights record.
Judgments of the Botswana Court of Appeal
Judgments of the Botswana High Court
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