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A Coalition for Change? Role Orientations in the 12th Parliament of Botswana

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  • Anja Osei
  • Batlang Seabo

Abstract

Botswana’s parliamentary democracy features a weak parliament that is ineffective in law making and executive oversight. Conventional explanations emphasise a dominant party system that emerged following independence, lack of operational independence from the executive, and the poor capacity of parliament as factors that undermine its effectiveness. Using a novel dataset that is based on interviews with Members of Parliament (MPs) on a wide range of issues, including their role orientations, this article tests several interrelated hypotheses to investigate whether there is an emerging coalition for change. The article finds that there is a group of opposition MPs that constitutes a coalition for change because they are reform oriented, discuss parliamentary affairs and exercise executive oversight. We argue that this coalition for change is marked by a connected communication structure. The study furthers our understanding of the functioning of parliament as a core institution of Botswana’s democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Anja Osei & Batlang Seabo, 2024. "A Coalition for Change? Role Orientations in the 12th Parliament of Botswana," Journal of Southern African Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(4), pages 643-663, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cjssxx:v:50:y:2024:i:4:p:643-663
    DOI: 10.1080/03057070.2024.2476901
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