Presidential Succession Politics in Botswana: An Appraisal Khama-Masisi Transition

Abstract

Peaceful presidential transitions have been the hallmark of Botswana’s democracy since the
country’s independence in 1966. This was in stark contrast to other African countries where
leaders overstayed in power and transitions were often conflictual. For most of the post
independence era, Botswana and Mauritius were exceptions to the trend, and Botswana was
held in high regard as an exemplar of democracy in Africa. Political power transitions occurred
seamlessly between presidents, albeit under one-party dominance. This paper revisits
succession politics in Botswana and argues that the long-established practice of smooth
presidential succession was interrupted by General Ian Khama’s quest to preserve the Khama
dynasty after his mandatory 10-year presidential term ended in April 2018. The paper shows
that the preservation of a Khama dynasty was to be founded on Khama’s reign, which was akin
to hyper-presidentialism but aided by the country’s Constitution. Khama deviated from the
practices of other former presidents by choosing not only to openly and strongly criticize his
successor but also to remain actitively engaged in party politics in a bid to dislodge his chosen
successor, Mokgweetsi Masisi.