DOCSLIB.ORG

Election Update 2004: Botswana, 2

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Election Update 2004: Botswana, 2 ELECTION UPDATE 2004 BOTSW ANA number 2 23 November 2004 contents Introduction 1 Opposition Needs to be Strengthened 2 W omen Representation in Parliament 3 Constitutional & Institutional Context 5 Voter Registration 8 Political Party Registration 9 Campaign Process 11 Campaigns, Issues and Visibility 12 The Smiling Faces on the Posters 13 Civic/Voter Education 14 Role of the Security Forces 14 Botswana Army Trading Fatigues for Political Caps 14 Controversy over Election Date 14 References 15 Compiled by Sechele Sechele EISA Editorial Team Jackie Kalley, Khabele Matlosa, Denis Kadima Published with the assistance of NORAD and OSISA Introduction country‘s new political in the election. The validity of development. According to these assertions concerning Botswana's recent elections, Khabele Matlosa, a senior the PR system can be clearly held on 30 October 2004, have research advisor at EISA, demonstrated. Although the once again reinforced the Botswana needs to opt for a BDP has captured 80 percent country‘s reputation as one of proportional representation of the seats in Parliament, on the —most stable, liberal and (PR) voting system to provide the basis of details from 55 out effective democracies" in the opposition with a "bigger of the 57 constituencies, the Africa. The opposition, presence" in Parliament. In the ruling party only polled 52 however, needs to be PR system, a political party percent of the popular vote, strengthened. This is receives a share of seats in with 48 percent of the according to political analysts direct proportion or equal to electorate voting for the clearly observing the the number of votes it garners opposition. Therefore, if the election update 2004 Botsw ana number 2 number of votes cast The mission‘s assessment of elections, but the ruling BDP translated into seats, then the the elections was based on has always rejected the idea. BDP would only have 30 seats the Principles of Election in the 57-seat National Management, Monitoring Motsamai indicated that it Assembly, with 27 going to and Observation (PEMMO) was universally recognised the combined opposition in the SADC region.A that money may have undue parties.A number of political Southern African influence on a country‘s commentators and opposition Development Community politics and many countries parties have called for a Parliamentary Forum team are reviewing their laws to change from the present first- also observed the poll, provide for the compulsory past-the-post system or for its Botswana's ninth since disclosure of private funding combination with aspects of independence from Britain in to political parties and the PR system. All these 1966. candidates. EISA also stated suggestions, however, have that the appointment been consistently rejected by At the conclusion of the procedures of the IEC and its the BDP. general election, all local and executive secretary raised regional observer and concerns of perception about A delegation of 22 observers monitoring missions the independence and from South Africa-based declared the elections to be impartiality of the IEC. organisation, EISA, arrived free and fair. The ruling in Botswana a week prior to Botswana Democratic Party The mission observed that the the general elections and in (BDP) took 44 of the 57 All Party Conference should preparation for the country's parliamentary seats, the be strengthened in order to October 30 poll. On that opposition Botswana build consensus and promote date, 552,890 registered National Front (BNF) trust in the Commission. It voters were expected to cast obtained 12 seats (it had five expressed concern that the their ballots in parliamentary after the 1999 elections) and appointment of the IEC was and local government a rival opposition party, the too close to the election date, elections at one of 2,179 Botswana Congress Party saying this could disrupt the polling stations countrywide. (BCP), has maintained its electoral process.The mission EISA was invited by the one seat in Parliament. also recommended that Botswana Independent Botswana follow other SADC Electoral Commission (IEC) Opposition Needs to be countries by having a to observe pre-polling, Strengthened constitutional provision for the polling, counting and the election date. Opposition early stages of the results Addressing the press after parties in Botswana have long tabulation. To do this, it the election, the head of the complained that it is the deployed teams in Gaborone, EISA mission and Speaker government and not the IEC Francistown, Jwaneng, of the Lesotho National that sets the election date and Lobatse, Maun and Selibe Assembly, Ms Ntlhoi have called for the same Phikwe. They were expected Motsamai, said that change EISA recommended to meet with electoral Botswana should consider by EISA. stakeholders, including the funding political parties in Independent Electoral order to level the playing The mission proposed that Commission, political parties field by minimising the Botswana should abide by and civil society adverse impact of private PEMMO‘s proposition that organisations ahead of funding on politics. This access to and use of public election-day. issue has been a subject of media and other public debate in Botswana in the resources during an election period leading up to the should be equitable. 2 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 2 Opposition parties in the BCP. In addition, serious This has already attracted the Botswana have also vote splitting was caused by anger of the newly-formed complained that the public two opposition parties, that Gender and Media Southern media, especially television, are also BNF splinter groups, Africa (GEMSA) Network, gives the ruling party greater contesting in the sane area. which, in a recent press coverage. Mogoditshane constituency statement, stated that it was might also have gone to the deeply disappointed by the Other recommendations opposition as here; the decline in women MPs in the included reviewing the combined vote for the new Botswana Parliament in electoral system to opposition also exceeded this last election before to accommodate a more that of the BDP. The same is 2005: the regional deadline balanced gender true of Ngwaketse South and for achieving at least one representation and the Kgatleng W est. The people third representation by counting and reconciliation in the two constituencies women in decision-making. of ballots at the polling clearly voted for opposition stations immediately after in large numbers, but they Members of the network, the close of voting. The were let down by the BNF which comprises gender and mission stated that the splinter parties. media activists across the current system of taking Southern African ballots to a central place is The BDP therefore, Development Community long, cumbersome and benefited from the (SADC) region, urged risky.The opposition opposition split vote to President Festus Mogae and suffered a serious setback in finally obtain 44 his party to take every the election once more, due parliamentary seats out of measure to rectify the to vote splitting in the the 57 in the enlarged situation. This includes elections. These were also National Assembly of through their prerogative to marred by long queues and Botswana. nominate four members of very slow counting of ballots parliament. The ruling party œ resulting in some voting W omen Representation in and its government have outcomes being known two Parliament since apparently responded days after votes were cast. favourably to the call after it Due to the vote splitting, the elected three women into Some of the constituencies BNF lost a number of former Parliament as specially- where vote splitting was strongholds which it had elected members: Professor pronounced and which were dominated in previous Sheila Tlou, Moggie widely expected to fall to the elections. Examples are Mbaakanyi and Margaret opposition, include Selibe Gaborone North, a Nasha. Phikwe East and W est œ constituency in the capital of where the BNF President Gaborone. The BNF has held The failure of Botswana to (Otsweletse Moupo and BCP this since the 1984 general elect more women into Vice President (Gilson elections, but lost to the decision-making positions Saleshando) œ suffered BDP. At the same time, the like Parliament comes at a defeat at the hands of the BCP wrestled its lone seat time when SADC leaders BDP. If the opposition had from former cabinet minister have dedicated themselves to been united in these and Margaret Nasha in a closely achieve a 1:3 ratio of women other constituencies where contested parliamentary race in their parliaments by 2005. they lost, they could easily for Gaborone Central, Botswana will not have have beaten the BDP. The reducing the number of another chance to do this vote split, however, was women MPs to four œ all before the 2005 deadline. mainly between the BNF and from the BDP. This does not auger well for 3 election update 2004 Botsw ana number 2 a country that is widely seen conduct, is host to and will —The position of Speaker in the sub-continent as a chair SADC in 2005, there also remains to be decided. model of democracy and should be a back-tracking on We urge the Parliament of good electoral conduct. It closing the gender gap in Botswana to consider a will also host and chair politics at this critical woman candidate for this SADC in 2005. juncture. —At our Gender post. The new cabinet also and Media Summit in remains to be announced. In the 1999 elections, September 2004 we This is an area of decision- Botswana managed to get 17 expressed concern that even making in which the percent women if every woman candidate president has the power to representation in Parliament, were to win her seat in the make radical changes. We but the number of elected October election, women challenge him to show his women has since dropped to would only constitute 21 commitment to regional seven percent after the latest percent of the members of decisions and to gender elections.This has reduced parliament.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Freedom in the World - Botswana (2011)
    http://www.freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/fiw/inc_country_detail.cf... Print Freedom in the World - Botswana (2011) Capital: Gaborone Political Rights Score: 3 * Civil Liberties Score: 2 * Population: 1,991,000 Status: Free Overview In March 2010, the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party split for the first time in its history, with a splinter faction, the Botswana Movement for Democracy, officially registering as a separate party in June. Controversy surrounding the right of the indigenous San people to live in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve was ongoing during the year, with most San continuing to live outside of the area. In March, the government introduced new immigration legislation intended to halt the flow of undocumented immigrants from Zimbabwe. Elected governments, all led by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), have ruled the country since it gained independence from Britain in 1966. Vice President FestusMogae rose to the presidency when longtime president Ketumile Masire retired in 1998, and he was confirmed as the country’s leader after the BDP easily won legislative elections in 1999. The BDP took 44 of the 57 contested seats in the 2004 elections, securing a second presidential term for Mogae. International observers declared the polling free and fair but recommended giving the opposition equal access to state-run media and setting the date for elections further in advance. In 2008, Mogae—like Masire before him—retired before the end of his term, leaving Vice President Seretse Khama Ian Khama to assume the presidency. Khama, the son of independence leader and first president Seretse Khama, had been appointed vice president by Mogae in 1998 and was elected chairman of the BDP in 2003.
    [Show full text]
  • Mo Ibrahim Foundation Announces No Winner of 2019 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership
    Mo Ibrahim Foundation announces no winner of 2019 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership LONDON, 5 March 2020 – Today, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation announces that there is no winner of the 2019 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. This decision has been made following deliberations by the independent Prize Committee. Announcing the decision, Prize Committee Chair Festus Mogae commented: “The Ibrahim Prize recognises truly exceptional leadership in Africa, celebrating role models for the continent. It is awarded to individuals who have, through the outstanding governance of their country, brought peace, stability and prosperity to their people. Based on these rigorous criteria, the Prize Committee could not award the Prize in 2019.” Commenting on the decision, Mo Ibrahim, Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation said: “Africa is facing some of the toughest challenges in the world – ranging from those connected to population growth, and economic development, to environmental impact. We need leaders who can govern democratically and translate these challenges into opportunities. With two-thirds of our citizens now living in better-governed countries than ten years ago, we are making progress. I am optimistic that we will have the opportunity to award this Prize to a worthy candidate soon.” Contacts For more information, please contact: Zainab Umar, [email protected], +44 (0) 20 7535 5068 MIF media team, [email protected], +44 (0) 20 7554 1743 Join the discussion online using the hashtag
    [Show full text]
  • His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae Was Born on 21St August
    of the First Chancellor of Amref International University HIS EXCELLENCY MR. F.G. MOGAE FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA is Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae was born on 21st August, 1939 at Serowe in the Central District of Botswana. He attended various educational institutions before Hhis graduation at Moeng College, an institution built in the 1930s and 1940s through community efforts in the then British protectorate of Bechuanaland. He thereafter attended the Universities of Oxford and Sussex in the United Kingdom where he trained as an Economist. He started his career in Botswana as a Planning Officer progressing to become Director of Economic Affairs, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. He then proceeded to become an Alternate Governor for Botswana before later serving in Washington as an Alternate and Executive Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Anglophone Africa and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He then came back to Botswana to take up the position of Governor of the Bank of Botswana and later Permanent Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Cabinet and Supervisor of Elections. He was appointed Minister of Finance and Development Planning in 1989, Vice President in 1992 before his election as the Third President of the Republic of Botswana In 1998. Health service provision was a key priority for President Mogae’s tenure from 1998-2008. Among his achievements, he rolled out a grassroots focused health system strengthening programme that ensured that citizens, even in the remotest part of the Botswana had access to a health centre in their community.
    [Show full text]
  • Ministry Taps Into Ub Expertise
    UBOfficial UniversityNEWS of Botswana Newsletter www.ub.bw November / December 2018 MINISTRY TAPS INTO UB EXPERTISE Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Julius Atlhopheng, Deputy Vice Chancellor- Finance and Administration, Mr Mendel Nlanda and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Solomon Sekwakwa. he Ministry of Finance and Economic ministry and UB in areas of economic research, Mendel Nlanda, said the signing of the MoU TDevelopment has signed a three year macroeconomic forecasting, policy analysis and came at the right time as the University had Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with capacity building in wealth accounting and initiated a process to establish a Consultancy the University of Botswana through which natural capital accounting. Bureau. government will now be able to utilize expertise Mr Sekwakwa said the arrangement would Mr Nlanda said the University of Botswana at the University in policy development, analysis help in containing costs of hiring international Consultancy Bureau (UBCB) was a fundamental and implementation. expertise when UB was well endowed with aspect of the University’s Enterprise Strategy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, experts who could do a good or even a better designed to guide the institution to generate Mr Solomon Sekwakwa, said at the signing job in helping government in such areas. third stream income. ceremony on November 19, 2018 that the In addition, it would help in building “The University’s Department of Economics MoU acknowledged that while UB had a local capacity, he said, noting that during and the Department of Environmental Science, well-established fully functional training and international events they would be able to which shall also be collaborators for purposes research capacity, the ministry had limited have UB experts accompanying them to help in of this MoU, will benefit immensely from the capacity to do fully-fledged research.
    [Show full text]
  • History Botswana Was a British Protectorate from 1885 Until It
    September 2000 History Botswana was a British Protectorate from 1885 until it achieved independence in 1966. Sir Seretse Khama was elected the country’s leader under the banner of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). He was succeeded in an orderly transition by Quett Ketemile Masire who retired in March 1998. The country’s current president is Festus Mogae. Most of Botswana's population is Tswana. Economy Botswana’s economic growth rate - averaging 7.3 percent between 1970 and 1995 - has been the highest in the developing world. The mining industry, particularly diamonds, currently contributes about 35 percent of Botswana’s GDP. At independence 32 years ago, mining contributed only 1 percent of GDP. Manufacturing, construction and agriculture each contribute about 3-6 percent of GDP, and there has been growth in financial, and government services in recent years. With a per capita GNP of US$3,600, Botswana is one of only a few African states classified as a lower middle-income country. The government has managed the country’s resources prudently and has kept its recurrent expenditure within its revenue, allowing for investment in human and physical capital. The government’s revenue from diamonds, as well as profits from large foreign exchange reserves of the Bank of Botswana, have largely cushioned Botswana from the recessions that have buffeted most countries in the region. Politics Botswana is a democratic republic with a 44 member national assembly, 40 of which are elected every five years on the basis of universal adult suffrage, and the other four members are appointed by the elected members of the assembly.
    [Show full text]
  • Election Update 2004 Botswana
    ELECTION UPDATE 2004 BOTSWANA number 3 17 January 2005 contents Introduction 1 Free and Fair Elections 2 How the International Press Saw the October Poll 2 New Cabinet 3 Botswana Election Audit 4 Election Results 7 Opposition Party Unity in the Making 16 Parliament Adjourns 18 References 19 Compiled by Sechele Sechele EISA Editorial Team Jackie Kalley, Khabele Matlosa, Denis Kadima Published with the assistance of NORAD and OSISA Introduction executive secretary of the Section 65A of the Constitution Independent Electoral of Botswana in 1997 (see Botswana has now been Commission of Botswana Constitution Amendment Act independent for more than 38 (IEC), Mr Gabriel Seeletso. No.18 of 1997); which also years, with one party at the provides for the composition of helm – the Botswana In an interview in his office and the Commission. Democratic Party (BDP). a week after having a week- Elections are held every five long meeting with the The Commission consists of a years in this land-locked, Independent Electoral chairperson (Justice Judge diamond-rich and peaceful state Commission of Botswana; John. Mosojane), deputy and they are always declared Seeletso has expressed chairman (Private Attorney free and fair. The 30 October complete satisfaction with the Omphemetsee Motumisi), and 2004 general elections in performance of his staff and the five other members appointed Botswana were no exception. Commission in correctly and by the Judicial Service competently conducting the Commission from a list of For purposes of this update on 2004 general elections. persons recommended by the the aftermath of the elections, The Independent Electoral All Party Conference.
    [Show full text]
  • Daily Hansard 03 Dec 2018 Sona
    DAILY YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT WEDNESDAYMONDAYTUESDAY 1303 07 NOVEMBERDECEMBER NOVEMBER 20182018 2018 ENGLISH VERSION HANSARD NO. 192 DISCLAIMER Unofficial Hansard This transcript of Parliamentary proceedings is an unofficial version of the Hansard and may contain inaccuracies. It is hereby published for general purposes only. The final edited version of the Hansard will be published when available and can be obtained from the Assistant Clerk (Editorial). THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER The Hon. Gladys K. T. Kokorwe PH, MP. DEPUTY SPEAKER The Hon. Kagiso P. Molatlhegi, MP Gaborone South Clerk of the National Assembly - Ms B. N. Dithapo Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly - Mr L. T. Gaolaolwe Learned Parliamentary Counsel - Ms M. Mokgosi Assistant Clerk (E) - Mr R. Josiah CABINET His Excellency Dr M. E. K. Masisi, MP - President His Honour S. Tsogwane, MP. (Boteti West) - Vice President Hon. Dr P. Venson-Moitoi, MP. (Serowe South) - Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon. O. K. Mokaila, MP. (Specially Elected) - Minister of Transport and Communications Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Hon. N. E. Molefhi, MP. (Selebi Phikwe East) - Administration Hon. S. Kgathi, MP. (Bobonong) - Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Hon. T. S. Khama, MP. (Serowe West) - Tourism Hon. B. Arone, MP. (Okavango) - Minister of Basic Education Hon. D. K. Makgato, MP. (Sefhare - Ramokgonami) - Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs Hon. O. K. Matambo, MP. (Specially Elected) - Minister of Finance and Economic Development Hon. V. T. Seretse, MP. (Lentsweletau - Mmopane) - Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development Hon.
    [Show full text]
  • The Discourse of Tribalism in Botswana's 2019 General Elections
    The Discourse of Tribalism in Botswana’s 2019 General Elections Christian John Makgala ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5984-5153 Andy Chebanne ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5393-1771 Boga Thura Manatsha ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5573-7796 Leonard L. Sesa ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6406-5378 Abstract Botswana’s much touted peaceful Presidential succession experienced uncertainty after the transition on 1 April 2019 as a result of former President Ian Khama’s public fallout with his ‘handpicked’ successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Khama spearheaded a robust campaign to dislodge Masisi and the long-time ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. He actively assisted in the formation of a new political party, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). Khama also mobilised the country’s most populous Central District, the Bangwato tribal territory, of which he is kgosi (paramount chief), for the hotly contested 2019 general elections. Two perspectives emerged on Khama’s approach, which was labelled loosely as ‘tribalism’. One school of thought was that the Westernised and bi-racial Khama was not socialised sufficiently into Tswana culture and tribal life to be a tribalist. Therefore, he was said to be using cunningly a colonial-style strategy of divide- and-rule to achieve his agenda. The second school of thought opined that Khama was a ‘shameless tribalist’ hell-bent on stoking ‘tribalism’ among the ‘Bangwato’ in order to bring Masisi’s government to its knees. This article, Alternation Special Edition 36 (2020) 210 - 249 210 Print ISSN 1023-1757; Electronic ISSN: 2519-5476; DOI https://doi.org/10.29086/2519-5476/2020/sp36a10 The Discourse of Tribalism in Botswana’s 2019 General Elections however, observes that Khama’s approach was not entirely new in Botswana’s politics, but only bigger in scale, and instigated by a paramount chief and former President.
    [Show full text]
  • An African Success Story: Botswana1
    An African Success Story: Botswana1 Daron Acemoglu2 Simon Johnson3 James A. Robinson4 July 11, 2001 Abstract: Botswana has had the highest rate of per-capita growth of any country in the world in the last 35 years. This occurred despite adverse initial conditions, including minimal investment during the colonial period and high inequality. Botswana achieved this rapid development by following orthodox economic policies. How Botswana sustained these policies is a puzzle because typically in Africa, “good economics” has proved not to be politically feasible. In this paper we suggest that good policies were chosen in Botswana because good institutions, which we refer to as institutions of private property, were in place. Why did institutions of private property arise in Botswana, but not other African nations? We conjecture that the following factors were important. First, Botswana possessed relatively inclusive pre-colonial institutions, placing constraints on political elites. Second, the effect of British colonialism on Botswana was minimal, and did not destroy these institutions. Third, following independence, maintaining and strengthening institutions of private property were in the economic interests of the elite. Fourth, Botswana is very rich in diamonds, which created enough rents that no group wanted to challenge the status quo at the expense of "rocking the boat". Finally, we emphasize that this situation was reinforced by a number of critical decisions made by the post- independence leaders, particularly Presidents Khama and Masire. 1 We are indebted to many people who gave generously of their time and expert knowledge to help us undertake this project. Our greatest debt is to Clark Leith who helped open many doors in Gaborone and who provided many helpful suggestions.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of the Botswana Defence Force, C. 1977-2007
    University of Calgary PRISM: University of Calgary's Digital Repository Graduate Studies The Vault: Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2021-01-11 Thebe ya Sechaba: A History of the Botswana Defence Force, c. 1977-2007 Mocheregwa, Bafumiki Mocheregwa, B. (2021). Thebe ya Sechaba: A History of the Botswana Defence Force, c. 1977-2007 (Unpublished doctoral thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/112986 doctoral thesis University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission. Downloaded from PRISM: https://prism.ucalgary.ca UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY Thebe ya Sechaba: A History of the Botswana Defence Force, c. 1977 – 2007 by Bafumiki Mocheregwa A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILSOPHY GRADUATE PROGRAM IN HISTORY CALGARY, ALBERTA JANUARY, 2021 © Bafumiki Mocheregwa 2021 Abstract The protracted liberation struggles of Southern Africa that began in the 1960s, particularly in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe today) eventually prompted the Botswana government to establish its own defence force in 1977. Due to budgetary constraints and relative internal political stability, Botswana had relied on a small paramilitary force called the Police Mobile Unit (PMU) since the early 1960s for all defence – related issues. By the late 1970s, the sharp escalation of the struggle for Zimbabwe resulted in cross – border incursions by Rhodesian security forces who were pursuing armed freedom fighters.
    [Show full text]
  • The Elite As a Critical Factor in National Development
    The Elite as a Critical Factor in National Development DISCUSSION PAPER 58 THE ELITE AS A CRITICAL FACTOR IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Case of Botswana DAVID SEBUDUBUDU & PATRICK MOLUTSI NORDISKA AfRIKAINSTITUTET, UppSALA 2011 Indexing terms: Botswana Ruling class Elite Leadership Governance Political stability Democracy Economic performance Development planning Economic and social development The opinions expressed in this volume are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nordiska Afrikainstitutet. Language checking: Peter Colenbrander ISSN 1104-8417 ISBN 978-91-7106-695-4 © The authors and Nordiska Afrikainstitutet 2011 Production: Byrå4 Print on demand, Lightning Source UK Ltd. The Elite as a Critical Factor in National Development Contents Acknowledgement Note ...............................................................................................................................4 Foreword .............................................................................................................................................................5 Abstract................................................................................................................................................................7 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................8 The Developmental State as a Conceptual Framework ....................................................................8 The Cultural
    [Show full text]
  • President Festus Mogae: the Regent Who Became King
    A Special Issue on Botswana Notes and Records’ Golden Jubilee Volume in Honour of Sir Ketumile Masire President Festus Mogae: The Regent Who Became King Botsalo Ntuane∗ The watershed moment came on 4 November 1995. By the time delegates made their way back home, it was all over. In an extraordinary year, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had met twice in con- gress. Four months earlier, in July, the faithful had descended on the dormitory village of Mogoditshane for another bout of factional bloodletting. The congress came two years after Kanye, at which the polarity in the ruling party had reached crisis level. This particular congress came in the wake of the gravest crisis the party had ever faced. In 1991, in response to a litany of complaints about the performance of land boards, Peter Mmusi had initiated an investigation into the matter. Little knowing that the outcome would ensnare him, Mmusi, in addition, convinced President Ketumile Masire to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate allega- tions of impropriety regarding land allocation in Mogoditshane and other peri-urban villages. The findings that came out left a trail of political destruction and ruin in their wake. Chaired by a founding party stalwart, Englishman Kgabo, the commission found that though Mmu- si and Daniel Kwelagobe had not stolen any land or illegally acquired any land in Mogoditshane, Mmusi had committed an error of moral and political judgement in upholding Kwelagobe’s appeal for a certain piece of land in Nkoyaphiri. The two were not ordinary men. Mmusi was Vice President of the country and also Minister for Local Government and Lands.
    [Show full text]