The Role of Civil Society in the
THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE
DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS IN BOTSWANA
INTRODUCTION
One of the approaches to democratization is the fostering of civil society organizations. Botswana`s civil society organizations have a role to play in the country’s democratization process. As stated by Maundeni (2005) the argument is that the non-partisan character of Botswana’s civic organisations has not prevented them from participating actively in democratising the public space. In fact civil society has been portrayed as the prime catalyst for promoting democratisation process in developing countries, Africa in particular.
This paper attempts to examine the above assertion in Botswana and posits the roles and contributions of civil society to democratisation process.
CONCEPTS AND DEFINITONS
WHAT IS CIVIL SOCIETY?
The issue of defining what constitutes Civil Society is very controversial; it is defined in various ways. Indeed, the use of these terms in many instances depends on place and time, country and the existing legal framework for registering civil society organizations. Other factors include membership, mission, and form of organization and levels of operation. The World Bank defines civil society/NGOs as:
“An association, society, foundation, charitable trust, non-profit corporation, or other juridical person that is not regarded under the particular legal system as part of the governmental sector and that is not operated for profit — viz., if any profits are earned, they are not and cannot be distributed as such. It does not include trade unions, political parties, profit-distributing cooperatives, or churches.”
According to the Commission of European Communities “Civil society includes the following groups: trade unions and employers’ organizations (social partners); organizations representing social and economic players which are not social partners in the strict sense of the term… non-governmental organizations which bring people
DEMOCRATISATION PROCESS IN BOTSWANA
INTRODUCTION
One of the approaches to democratization is the fostering of civil society organizations. Botswana`s civil society organizations have a role to play in the country’s democratization process. As stated by Maundeni (2005) the argument is that the non-partisan character of Botswana’s civic organisations has not prevented them from participating actively in democratising the public space. In fact civil society has been portrayed as the prime catalyst for promoting democratisation process in developing countries, Africa in particular.
This paper attempts to examine the above assertion in Botswana and posits the roles and contributions of civil society to democratisation process.
CONCEPTS AND DEFINITONS
WHAT IS CIVIL SOCIETY?
The issue of defining what constitutes Civil Society is very controversial; it is defined in various ways. Indeed, the use of these terms in many instances depends on place and time, country and the existing legal framework for registering civil society organizations. Other factors include membership, mission, and form of organization and levels of operation. The World Bank defines civil society/NGOs as:
“An association, society, foundation, charitable trust, non-profit corporation, or other juridical person that is not regarded under the particular legal system as part of the governmental sector and that is not operated for profit — viz., if any profits are earned, they are not and cannot be distributed as such. It does not include trade unions, political parties, profit-distributing cooperatives, or churches.”
According to the Commission of European Communities “Civil society includes the following groups: trade unions and employers’ organizations (social partners); organizations representing social and economic players which are not social partners in the strict sense of the term… non-governmental organizations which bring people
References: I. Commonwealth Foundation (1995): “Non-Governmental organization: Guidelines for Good Policy and Practice,” London. II. Conteh-Morgan Earl (1997), Democratization in Africa: the theory and dynamics of political transitions, Preager Pub.Westport, USA III. Diamond, L; Linz Juan; and Lipset Seymour (1995) Politics in Developing Countries: comparing experiences with democracy (Second Edition), Pub Lynne Rienner, London. IV. Emang Basadi (1998) Political Education Project: A Strategy that Works Gaborone: Lentswe la Lesedi. V. Judge, A. (1996) Interacting fruitfully with uncivil society: the Dilemma for Non Civil Society Organizations, (Transnational Associations, Washington DC, ) VI. Holm J. (1996) “Development, Democracy and Civil Society in Botswana,” in Leftwitch (ed). I. Policy Press, U.K. II. Maundeni Z. (2005) 40 Years of Democracy in Botswana 1965-2005 III. Somolekae G.(1998) Democracy, Civil Society and Governance in Africa :The Case of Botswana IV. The World Bank (1997): International Center for Not-for-profit Law, 1997. Handbook on Good Practices Relating to Non-Governmental Organizations, Washington