Botswana: Chieftainship and Politics

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There used to be a very clear distinction between chieftainship and politics in this country. Thus, when the late Seretse Khama renounced his right to the chieftainship of his tribe many years ago, he also unintentionally cleared the way for his decision to become actively involved in Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) politics in the early 1960s.

He actually led the party from its inception, and even though he had renounced chieftainship, his royal heritage alone was enough to ensure that in Bangwato tribal circles, the party became closely associated with him and is still commonly referred to as "Seretse's party".Consequently, the Central District continues to be the unassailable bedrock of the BDP. So entrenched is the party in this district, that cynics often remark that it is so easy for BDP candidates to win elections anywhere in the district, that even a donkey would win if it tried.Similarly, when the late paramount chief of the Bangwaketse, Bathoen II, showed interest in Botswana National Front (BNF) politics in the 1980s, the government of the time promptly reminded him that under the country's system of government, chieftainship and politics were incompatible bedfellows.

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