Electoral System Reforms Conference - Botswana

Venue: Boipuso Hall, Fairgrounds, Gaborone
Date: 14 - 15 March 2006

Programme

Day 1 14 March 2006

08h30-09h00 Registration

Session 1

Chairperson Ms Ntombi Setshwaelo, Emang Basadi

09h00-09h30 Welcome and introductions

  • Ms Joyce Anderson, Chairperson, Emang Basadi
  • Dr Khabele Matlosa, Senior Advisor Research, EISA
  • Mr Sami Modiba, Programme Director, OSISA

09h30-10h00 Keynote address
The role of elections in democratic governance
His Excellency, the President F.G Mogae

10h00-10h15 Tea

Session 2 Regional perspectives on electoral reforms

Chairperson Ms Motsei Rapela, Emang Basadi

10h15-12h00

  • Regional trends in electoral systems reform in southern Africa, Bertha Chiroro, EISA, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Electoral reforms in Lesotho Mr Seabata Motsamai
  • Electoral reforms in Zambia, Mr Lee Habasonda

12h00-13h00 Discussion

13h00-14h00 Lunch

Session 3 Electoral Systems Reform in Botswana

Chairperson Hon Moggy Mbaakanyi, Women's Caucus

14h00-17h00

  • Inter-party democracy in Botswana, Dr Maundeni Zibani
  • Electoral systems and gender representation: lessons for Botswana, Professor Onalenna Selolwane
  • Botswana's electoral system and imperatives for reforms, Professor Mpho Molomo
  • Discussion

17h00-21h00 Cocktails/Reception

Day 2 15 March 2006

Session 4

Chairperson Bertha Chiroro, EISA

09h00-09h15 Reflections on Day 1, Rapporteuer

09h15-09h30 Discussion groups

09h30-11h00 Topics for discussion

  • Explore an electoral system reform agenda for Botswana
  • Strategise for electoral system reform advocacy
  • Identify electoral reform drivers
  • Define the Role of the media in the electoral reform process

11h00-11h30 Tea

Session 5

Chairperson Mr Log Randitlhokwa, Women's Caucus

11h30-13h00 Group report back session, Group Facilitators

13h00-14h00 Lunch

Session 6

Chairperson Dr Khabele Matlosa, EISA

14h00-15h00 Developing a Work Plan, conference delegates

15h00-16h00 Way forward and closing remarks, OSISA/EISA/EMANG BASADI

Rapporteurs

Ms Silibasizo Mtinzi, Emang Basadi and Bertha Chiroro, EISA