Analyses the limits to democracy in Botswana.
Is Botswana still 'an African miracle'? Thanks to diamonds the country's
growth rate was the highest in the world into the 1990s, and regular
parliamentary elections judged free on polling day have been held since
1965. However aduopoly of presidentialism and ruling party preponderance
has stimulated arrogance, complacency and corruption among the country's
rulers.
What is 'perpetual democracy'? The ruling BDP is kept in perpetual power
by the first-past-the post election system. The President in Botswana is
empowered to do whatever he pleases. President Mogae has amended the
constitution to ensure the automatic succession of the Vice-President
General Ian Khama, the son of Seretse and Ruth Khama.A new Directorate
of Intelligence Services provides closer control of power.
Why are the Khoisan confined to 'a gulag of special settlements'? The
expulsion of the San from Central Kalahari Game Reservewas relentlessly
enforced in 1997 and 2002. A multi-cultural coalition asserts that the
government is implementing 'a philosophy of cultural genocide on the
non-Tswana tribes'.
How can the gift of diamonds be turned to reform? Professor Good asserts
the need to strengthen and democratise the electoral and voting systems.
He sees diversification as essential to reduce the dependency on
diamonds. He urges the use of mineral wealth to reduce the gap between
rich and poor; half of the population are at present in poverty in a
rich country.
KENNETH GOOD was Professor of Politics at the University of Botswana
when he was expelled from the country.
South Africa: Jacana
