I n the eyes of many—within Africa and beyond—Botswana is a glowing example of good governance, development and economic prosperity. It has changed its national political leadership in a manner that has attracted minimal controversy and criticism. While the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is the dominant political party that has enjoyed power since independence in 1966, the country’s leadership has surreptitiously changed a trend that many hail as the hallmark of democracy The role model façade is also understandable when you consider the socioeconomic performance of this mostly desert southern African country. It has remained largely stable, without the upheavals that mark most sub-Saharan African countries. Its economy, anchored on diamonds, is still performing well in comparison to the majority of countries across the continent. For this and other reasons, it is tempting to hail Botswana as a democratic role model. Its successive governments have made remarkable political statements regarding African misrule. Botswana bravely stood out and loudly rapped former Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, for holding onto power for too long and ruling with an iron fist in the process. It has also condemned the tendency on the continent to create political strife by resisting handing over the reins of power. But in calling out leaders in the region for tenaciously hanging onto power, Botswana’s President General Ian Khama failed to see the irony of his bluntness. Those with more discerning eyes and ears question the gap between Botswana’s reputation and the reality on the 30 So This is Democracy? 2017 ground vis a vis democracy and good governance. “A scratch beneath the surface of this much vaunted success story will reveal, not the much touted liberal democracy, but a top-down presidentialism, an emasculated parliament, and corruption and massive poverty in the midst of plenty.”1 In recent years, the reputation Botswana has been graced with, does not match reality and the transgressions against media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information have been more difficult to ignore. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION In recent years, the reputation Botswana has been graced with, does not match reality and the transgressions against media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information have been more difficult to ignore. 1 Botswana at 50: democratic deficit, elite corruption and poverty in the midst of plenty – Monageng Mogalakwe and Francis Nyamnjoh