Elite Conflict in Botswana

Christian J. Makgala

Botswana’s political and economic situation was shaped by the country’s political elite and particularly the conflict that arose between and within various political elite strands through the generations. In the final decade of the 20th century this elite conflict, characterised by intolerance and marginalisation, prevented constructive criticism and the cross-fertilisation of ideas. This in turn led to the stagnation of the country’s democratic development. Whereas Botswana is undeniably the oldest, most peaceful and stable liberal democracy on the African continent, the elite conflict within the ruling party - in power since independence in 1966 – seems to have hamstrung meaningful political and constitutional reforms which could modernise the country’s democracy and perhaps lead to a successful economic diversification drive.

ISBN : 0798301929

Year : 2008

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