BOTSWANA
— Officially: Republic of Botswana; Lefatshe la Botswana.
— Seat of government: Gaborone.
— Status: Democratic.
— Structure: The president is chosen by parliament (National Assembly), which is elected through geographical constituencies.
— Governing party: Botswana Democratic Party.
— Head of government: Ian Khama a Sêrêtsê, president.
— Opposition parties: Umbrella for Democratic Change (Botswana National Front; Botswana Movement for Democracy; Botswana People’s Party), led by Duma Boko; Botswana Congress Party, led by Dumelang Saleshando.
— Assessment: Sub-Saharan Africa’s oldest and most stable democracy. Perhaps most notable for resisting the resource curse with its diamond wealth; also one of few democracies not to experience a transfer of power, as the BDP has held office since independence (1966). The term of first president Sêrêtsê Khama (1965-80, father of Ian) established many of the policies that have enabled Botswana’s success. Khama was followed by Quett Masire (1980-98), Festus Mogae (1998-2008) and Ian Khama (2008-). In the 2014 election, the UDC and BCP together scored a slight majority of the popular vote, but the BDP secured a safe majority of seats.
— FH: 2-2, free. Econ: 7.47 (39), flawed democracy.
— Updated: 2014 October 30.
O.T. FORD