After four decades of independence, since 1966 Botswana has developed from being one of the poorest countries in the world to a successful upper middle-income country. Its political and economic development has been exceptional largely due to good policy choices; utilization of capable State machinery and consistent economic development processes both at national and local levels.
Political Stability
The country has maintained a credible and successful multi party democracy system with elections every five years. It has also preserved the traditional chieftainship structure that has kept a good balance between modern and traditional approaches to national issues.
Government Effectiveness
Robust consultative processes have been developed in order to ensure that there is buy-in in decision making by all stakeholders. In this regard there is a strong partnership between government, the private sector and civil society.
Regulatory Quality
In order to maintain credible standards and quality, there are established regulatory controls. To mention a few, there is ministerial control within the Ministry of Education which ensures that the education system conforms to defined norms and standards. The Bank of Botswana is a regulatory body which among others, oversees and monitors the whole financial sector and ensures financial accountability.
Rule of Law
The Constitution of Botswana is the supreme law of the country which provides for constitutional and democratic governance. Its constitution establishes three principal organs of the state, namely the Executive, the Parliament and the Judicature. The operations of the three branches are subject to internal accountability mechanisms. The Executive implements policies, plans and other decisions, and spends as approved by Parliament. The Parliament is controlled by the requirement, as stipulated in the Constitution that its mandate be renewed in regular elections that are held every five years. The Judiciary which interprets the law oversees executive decision-making and action as well as interpreting the constitutionality of laws made by Parliament.
Control of Corruption
The Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been set up specifically to monitor and deal with economic and white collar crime.
Voice and Accountability
Botswana’s current new President has challenged the nation in areas of concern summed up under the mnemonic four Ds which stand for Democracy, Development, Discipline and Dignity. This is borne out of a desire and in pursuance of inculcating a culture of accountability by the nation as a whole and also to further embed the national vision (Vision 2016), in particular that of being a caring nation.
Category: Botswana
