While Botswana is widely recognized for its unbroken series of successful elections stretching
back to independence in 1966, analysts have long pointed to low levels of political
participation and a weak civil society as barriers on its path toward a strong democracy . More recent analysis has shown that while most Batswana see their country as a democracy,
satisfaction with the way their democracy is working and perceived freedom of speech
have declined steeply over the past decade. While most Batswana say they vote in
elections and attend community meetings, the proportion of citizens who express interest in
public affairs and discuss politics are in decline, and only a minority contact public officials or
get together with other citizens to raise an issue
