FLOOR CROSSING AND ELECTIVE OFFICE: FREEDOM OF CHOICE OR BETRAYAL OF TRUST? – THE CASE OF BOTSWANA

Abstract

The world over, countries are grappling with how they can improve their democratic, governance and electoral systems.  One of the foremost problems confronting them, especially countries using the first-past-the-post electoral system, is floor crossing.  This article examines the arguments advanced in favour of, and those against, floor crossing. It appears that floor crossing is a concern, and most prevalent, in developing countries which are nascent democracies.  This article maintains that there should be a balance between the interests of the representative who wants to cross the floor and those of his or her erstwhile party, and the electorate.  Such a balance can only be achieved if the electoral system allows a defector to relinquish his or her seat so that there is a fresh election which effectively rejects or endorses his or his defection.