Botswana (formerly known as Bechuanaland) was a British protectorate between 1885 and 1966, governed indirectly through chiefs, without economic or infrastructural oversight. Despite the high level of inequality which preceded the mineral revolution, the country achieved rapid economic growth following independence in 1966. Since independence, Botswana has been continuously ruled by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has benefited from its association with the popular first President Sir Seretse Khama who fought for independence. The BDP’s dominance, which has prompted debate about the need for a more diverse array of parties, is rooted in divisions within the political opposition as well as the country’s first-past-the-post electoral system, which has facilitated large parliamentary majorities despite relatively smaller shares of the popular vote. In recent years, the balance of power has been a source of debate, especially as Effective Parliament scores have declined; trends point to the increasing control of the Executive in law-making processes. Corruption cases, independence of oversight bodies, and access to information are also salient governance issues.

While Botswana has traditionally been a regional leader in the respect for civil and political rights, the UN Human Rights Council and activists have recently raised concerns about government interference with these rights. Freedom of the press has been a particular worry, as the government maintains significant control of broadcasting policy and advertising. 

Despite critical investments made in human development, high inequality continues to be a challenge and a key social cleavage, disproportionately impacting the population in the rural areas (with high concentrations of the indigenous San people); roots of inequality can be traced to the colonial era. The San people have suffered cultural, social, economic, and political exclusion, and some members of the San community have been illegally evicted from ancestral lands in Kalahari.

Botswana continues to grapple with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, youth unemployment and gender equality issues. Low levels of female participation in politics and gender-based violence are key challenges, but Botswana’s recent ratification of the Maputo Protocol signals prospects for advancing women’s rights. Despite widespread conservatism resulting in the stigmatization and discrimination of the LGBTQIA+ community, some advances have come through the legalization of same sex relations and recent court judgements upholding LGBTQIA+ rights. 

Looking ahead, it will be important to watch the upcoming general elections (October 2024), especially in light of prospects for increased competition, concerning trends of low level of female participation and voter apathy among youth. It will be critical to watch concerns around Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Expression and the government’s action on reforms to media laws, as many journalists continue to feel targeted and surveilled, while emerging hurdles of digital dominance threaten the media landscape. Gender discrimination, the concerns of the San people, and high inequality remain key issues.

Last updated: August 2024