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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Role, Functions and Performance of Botswana's Independent Electoral Commission
Author:Tsie, BalefiISNI
Year:2003
Periodical:Journal of African Elections
Volume:2
Issue:1
Pages:145-151
Language:English
Geographic term:Botswana
Subjects:elections
Politics and Government
Law, Human Rights and Violence
Abstract:In 1997, Botswana's constitution was amended to accommodate the establishment of an Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to replace the office of the Supervisor of Elections. The Commission is an autonomous, nonpartisan body whose primary purpose is to conduct free, fair and correct elections efficiently and effectively in accordance with universally accepted electoral principles and practices. There is no interference whatsoever by the government in its operations, even though the State finances the Commission. This paper examines the Commission's composition, goals and functions. It also looks at the way it promotes democracy through its voter education programme. Despite limited time and human resources, the IEC of Botswana was able to arrange for and deliver the October 1999 general election without any major problems and in a manner described by international and local observers as 'free and fair'. In conclusion, the paper pays attention to Botswana's electoral system - a constituency-based 'first-past-the-post' system - and the background to Botswana's relative democratic success. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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