The implementation of decentralization in Botswana is guided by the Town and Country Planning Act of 1980 and the Local Authorities Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2008 which is aimed at fighting corruption in local authorities. Several National Development Plans (NDPs) also support the decentralization process. NDP 10 proposes the drafting of a decentralization policy.
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Botswana is divided into 10 districts, two cities, three town councils and one township. The councils are further divided into wards which are represented by elected councilors. The Ministry of Local Government spearheads the decentralization process. District Development Committees have also been set up to facilitate the process. The Botswana Local Government Association (BALA) is the representative body for local governments in Botswana. BALA is composed of mayors of city- and town councils, chairpersons of district councils and chief executive officers of all councils. Most councilors are elected but the Minister of Local Government appoints some councilors. Elections take place every five years by universal adult suffrage using the first past-the-post system. Each council is divided into several wards and each ward elects one councilor. This system is uniform across all types of local government.
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From 2001 onwards the Botswana government has committed itself to the strengthening of local government through the Venson Commission and a subsequent White Paper. Efforts are focused predominantly on increasing the capacity of local government institutions. In addition, local authorities in cooperation with the national government continue to strive towards more autonomy and a stronger position in the development and execution of local policy.
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