Election Observation and Monitoring in Botswana

In an attempt to address the concerns of opposition parties, election observation and monitoring have in recent years become part of the electoral process in Botswana.This paper examines their role in Botswana's electoral process.It argues that election observation and monitoring have promoted transparency and accountability as well as public confidence in the credibility of the Botswana electoral process, especially in recent years.Moreover, they are a source of legitimacy and stability.The paper concludes that it is the emergence of democratic regimes in the region that in part has attracted observers to Botswana's elections despite the fact that its elections have generally been free and peaceful and have involved no major disputes.