Towards a People's Constitution for Botswana

Book excerpt: Towards a People’s Constitution for Botswana proposes a transformative constitution for Botswana; a constitution that will have in its new bill of rights not only civil and political rights but socio-economic and cultural rights too. A constitution that will enhance the independence of Parliament and the Judiciary amongst other pillars of democracy. In this book, Judge Dingake acknowledges that although Botswana’s first constitution has served the country well, the time has now arisen for a new constitution that is consistent with the aspirations of the people to live under vibrant, participatory and accountable government of the people by the people. The book sets out in clear terms the constitution-making process that must be followed and the principles that must be enshrined in the new constitution. As a comparison, the book reflects on the constitution-making processes of some countries in Africa, such as South Africa, Namibia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.