QUALITY ANSWERS FOR ACP3701
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024
09 OCTOBER 2024
MODULE CODE: APC3701
THE POLITICS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
OPTION 2
Since its independence in 1966, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is the only
party to have governed Botswana. Despite its recognised success, Botswana has
had an ambivalent experience with liberal democracy. It is contended that
Botswana falls within a ‘grey zone’, in-between what scholars refer to as electoral
and liberal democracies (De Jager & Sebudubudu, 2016).Taking the above
statement into consideration, evaluate democracy/democratization in Botswana
since its first elections in 1966.
Democracy and Democratization in Botswana Since 1966
Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has often been regarded as a model for
political stability and good governance in Africa. At the heart of this reputation lies the
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has won every election since independence
and has maintained a firm grip on power for over five decades. However, despite its
celebrated political stability, Botswana’s experience with democracy is more ambivalent
than it appears at first glance. Scholars such as De Jager and Sebudubudu (2016)
argue that Botswana exists in a “grey zone,” straddling the boundary between electoral
democracy and full liberal democracy. This essay critically evaluates Botswana’s
democracy and democratization process, discussing the successes and limitations
since its first election in 1966.
, Botswana’s Political Stability and Electoral Dominance
The cornerstone of Botswana’s political system is its regular, peaceful elections, which
are generally viewed as free and fair. Since its first election in 1966, Botswana has
conducted multiparty elections every five years without significant disruptions. The
Botswana Democratic Party’s consistent victory can largely be attributed to a
combination of effective governance, the successful management of economic
resources (particularly diamonds), and the personal appeal of its leadership figures
such as Sir Seretse Khama, Festus Mogae, and Ian Khama. As a result, Botswana has
avoided the fate of many African nations that have experienced military coups, violent
political transitions, or authoritarian one-party rule.
Nonetheless, this long-term dominance by the BDP raises questions about the depth of
Botswana's democratic credentials. While the elections have been technically
competitive, the political playing field has been heavily skewed in favour of the ruling
party. For much of Botswana’s post-independence history, opposition parties have been
fragmented and underfunded, struggling to mount a serious challenge to the BDP's
dominance. Additionally, the first-past-the-post electoral system, similar to that of former
colonial powers like the United Kingdom, has tended to exaggerate the BDP’s
parliamentary majority, further consolidating its power.
Botswana’s Democratic Paradox: Electoral Democracy or Liberal Democracy?
De Jager and Sebudubudu’s (2016) characterization of Botswana as falling within a
democratic ‘grey zone’ reflects the tension between electoral success and the broader
values of liberal democracy. While Botswana meets the criteria for electoral
democracy—regular elections, an independent judiciary, and adherence to the rule of
law—it falls short in other areas that are essential to liberal democratic governance. Key
elements of liberal democracy, such as robust political competition, civil liberties, and
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024
09 OCTOBER 2024
MODULE CODE: APC3701
THE POLITICS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
OPTION 2
Since its independence in 1966, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is the only
party to have governed Botswana. Despite its recognised success, Botswana has
had an ambivalent experience with liberal democracy. It is contended that
Botswana falls within a ‘grey zone’, in-between what scholars refer to as electoral
and liberal democracies (De Jager & Sebudubudu, 2016).Taking the above
statement into consideration, evaluate democracy/democratization in Botswana
since its first elections in 1966.
Democracy and Democratization in Botswana Since 1966
Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has often been regarded as a model for
political stability and good governance in Africa. At the heart of this reputation lies the
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has won every election since independence
and has maintained a firm grip on power for over five decades. However, despite its
celebrated political stability, Botswana’s experience with democracy is more ambivalent
than it appears at first glance. Scholars such as De Jager and Sebudubudu (2016)
argue that Botswana exists in a “grey zone,” straddling the boundary between electoral
democracy and full liberal democracy. This essay critically evaluates Botswana’s
democracy and democratization process, discussing the successes and limitations
since its first election in 1966.
, Botswana’s Political Stability and Electoral Dominance
The cornerstone of Botswana’s political system is its regular, peaceful elections, which
are generally viewed as free and fair. Since its first election in 1966, Botswana has
conducted multiparty elections every five years without significant disruptions. The
Botswana Democratic Party’s consistent victory can largely be attributed to a
combination of effective governance, the successful management of economic
resources (particularly diamonds), and the personal appeal of its leadership figures
such as Sir Seretse Khama, Festus Mogae, and Ian Khama. As a result, Botswana has
avoided the fate of many African nations that have experienced military coups, violent
political transitions, or authoritarian one-party rule.
Nonetheless, this long-term dominance by the BDP raises questions about the depth of
Botswana's democratic credentials. While the elections have been technically
competitive, the political playing field has been heavily skewed in favour of the ruling
party. For much of Botswana’s post-independence history, opposition parties have been
fragmented and underfunded, struggling to mount a serious challenge to the BDP's
dominance. Additionally, the first-past-the-post electoral system, similar to that of former
colonial powers like the United Kingdom, has tended to exaggerate the BDP’s
parliamentary majority, further consolidating its power.
Botswana’s Democratic Paradox: Electoral Democracy or Liberal Democracy?
De Jager and Sebudubudu’s (2016) characterization of Botswana as falling within a
democratic ‘grey zone’ reflects the tension between electoral success and the broader
values of liberal democracy. While Botswana meets the criteria for electoral
democracy—regular elections, an independent judiciary, and adherence to the rule of
law—it falls short in other areas that are essential to liberal democratic governance. Key
elements of liberal democracy, such as robust political competition, civil liberties, and
