The Uneasy Relationship Between Parliament and the Executive in Botswana

Abstract

This paper starts from a premise that parliament plays multiple roles in any democracy. These include legislation and the exercise of horizontal accountability over the executive. Thus, an effective parliament is one that undisturbedly makes laws, provides oversight and demands accountability from the executive. Unfortunately, there is often a wide gap between expectation and outcomes; many parliaments in Africa are dominated by the executive. The same is true in Botswana, where parliament is weak and subject to the whims and caprices of the executive. Given this scenario, there are calls, including by Members of Parliaments, for a review of the Constitution. Hence, moving forward, a constitutional review is imperative to, amongst others, create a highly independent legislature along the US model and curtail the powers of the presidency. Therefore, doing so will confer the following benefits: affirm the supremacy of parliament; enhance oversight and accountability; and burnish Botswana’s democratic credentials.