The Cost Of Stability

Since independence in 1966 Botswana has had only three presidents, all of which have come from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). They have managed the economy well and have maintained civil peace, but have made sure that no meaningful political challenge could arise to threaten BDP hegemony. A general election is due in 2009 and the party already has plans in place to protect its dominance. Incumbent President Festus Mogae will hand-over office before the polls to his hand-picked successor, Vice President Ian Khama, son of Botswana's first president and former chief of the army. Khama is a somewhat controversial

To read the full article, please choose one of the following options: