- Only about one in five Batswana (18%) think that the institution of chieftainship (bogosi) is outdated and should be abolished (Figure 1). Fully 80% disagree, including 48% who “strongly disagree.”
- Almost two-thirds (63%) of citizens say that the institution of kgotla serves as the foundation for Botswana’s democracy and should therefore be open to discussing all issues affecting communities, including political matters (Figure 2). About one-third (32%) of citizens disagree.
- Close to three-quarters (73%) of Batswana say that chiefs who want to enter politics should renounce their positions as chiefs (Figure 3).
An overwhelming majority of Batswana say that the institution of chieftainship (bogosi) continues to be relevant in modern-day Botswana and should not be abolished, a recent Afrobarometer survey shows.
And more than six in 10 believe that the institution of kgotla (village assembly) serves as an essential part of democratic society in the country and thus should allow citizens to freely discuss all matters, including potentially sensitive political issues.
But most say that a chief who wants to enter politics should renounce his position as a chief, suggesting that Batswana value non-partisan traditional leadership.
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