Botswana plans to introduce a law that will govern the funding of political parties in a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency in one of Africa’s celebrated democracies.
The funding of Botswana’s political parties from state coffers has been a topical issue since February this year when Finance Minister Peggy Serame announced that the government had decided to allocate P34 million (about US$2.5 million at the then exchange rate of P13.50=US$1) to fund political parties.
The announcement has over the past few months triggered calls for the government to consult widely political parties and other civil society organisations that are not in the conventional political space.
The government in the past four months convened three all-party conferences to solicit the views of stakeholders on a proposed law to govern political party funding.
Minister for State President, Kabo Neale Sechele Morwaeng, presented a Draft Bill for Political Party Funding during the latest all-party conference held in Gaborone late Thursday.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to consultation, noting that this would ensure that the bill reflects the contributions and ownership of all parties involved.
Botswana stands out as one of Africa’s most enduring democracies, consistently demonstrating a commitment to democratic principles since gaining independence in 1966.
The country has maintained a stable political environment, characterized by regular, free and fair elections.
The Botswana Democratic Party has been the dominant political force, but the multiparty system allows for active political participation and competition.
JN/APA