Democracy under siege:
Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, Vol.14 NO.1 (2000)
Democracy under siege: the Presidency and executive powers in Botswana
Mpho G. Molomo
Democracy Research Project
University of Botswana
Abstract
This article outlines that the Constitution of Botswana provides for an executive presidency with extensive powers. Unlike other constitutions in the region where power is vested with the people, in Botswana it is vested with the President. While democratic procedures have not been flaunted in Botswana, in a situation where one political party dominates both the executive and the legislative branches of government, there is cause for concern. In this situation, the checks and balances provided for in the constitution are almost redundant. The declaration of the state of emergency and the granting of the Vice-President, Ian Khama, sabbatical leave by the
President are examples where the President used his executive powers. This article concludes that given the wide-ranging executive powers that the President enjoys, there is a strong case for presidential elections. In that way, the president would be directly elected by the electorate and therefore directly accountable to them.
Introduction
Botswana is a frontrunner in democratic politics. While white minority rule and one the party regime eclipsed other countries in the Southern African region, Botswana enjoyed a stable multi-party democracy. However, the 1990s ushered in an era of democratic transitions that saw the region embracing democratic norms and practices. It all started with the independence of Namibia in 1990, then followed by multi-party elections in
Zambia and Malawi and the historic all race elections in South Africa in 1994. Following the changes in the region, especially the introduction of constitutions that limited the term of president, Botswana's democracy came increasingly under the spotlight and hence the resultant need for introspection.
Despite the
Democracy under siege: the Presidency and executive powers in Botswana
Mpho G. Molomo
Democracy Research Project
University of Botswana
Abstract
This article outlines that the Constitution of Botswana provides for an executive presidency with extensive powers. Unlike other constitutions in the region where power is vested with the people, in Botswana it is vested with the President. While democratic procedures have not been flaunted in Botswana, in a situation where one political party dominates both the executive and the legislative branches of government, there is cause for concern. In this situation, the checks and balances provided for in the constitution are almost redundant. The declaration of the state of emergency and the granting of the Vice-President, Ian Khama, sabbatical leave by the
President are examples where the President used his executive powers. This article concludes that given the wide-ranging executive powers that the President enjoys, there is a strong case for presidential elections. In that way, the president would be directly elected by the electorate and therefore directly accountable to them.
Introduction
Botswana is a frontrunner in democratic politics. While white minority rule and one the party regime eclipsed other countries in the Southern African region, Botswana enjoyed a stable multi-party democracy. However, the 1990s ushered in an era of democratic transitions that saw the region embracing democratic norms and practices. It all started with the independence of Namibia in 1990, then followed by multi-party elections in
Zambia and Malawi and the historic all race elections in South Africa in 1994. Following the changes in the region, especially the introduction of constitutions that limited the term of president, Botswana's democracy came increasingly under the spotlight and hence the resultant need for introspection.
Despite the