This paper examines the extent and nature of electoral participation in
general and that of youth in particular and attempts an explanation. It
draws on reports from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and its
predecessor, the Elections Office, and on opinion surveys carried out by the
Democracy Research Project of the University of Botswana (DRP). It argues
that the poor participation of youth in politics in Botswana in general and
in elections in particular is rooted in traditional Tswana culture which limits
the participation of youth in public affairs. This culture is reproduced by
the main socialising agents in society such as the family, the school system,
political parties, and the media.