Botswana

Summary

Botswana has no provinces or states. Following independence in 1966, local government was introduced across the country, comprising 10 district councils, three town councils, two city councils and one township authority.

The most recent elections were held in October 2004 with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party winning 44 seats, the Botswana National Front 12 seats and the Botswana Congress Party, one. The next elections are due in 2009.

Local government is becoming firmly established in the democratic political setup of Botswana. Although the capacities of local authorities in Botswana have been limited and they depend heavily on the central government for financial and human resources, these have grown in strength over time. Local authorities have a fairly wide remit over local services, but depend on the support of central government to deliver these services. Current proposed reforms will help to give local authorities greater autonomy and strengthen their capacity and structures.