Brief 1 : enhancing democracy in Lesotho through civic education

Date

2014-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University for Peace Africa Programme, Addis Ababa, ET

Abstract

This policy brief presents the challenge of democracy as a misunderstood and abused concept amongst Basotho and provides recommendations for viable civic education programmes. The challenges are faced by three key groups of Basotho. First politicians, who need to overcome the structural rigidity of party politics based on personalities and factionalism thus falling short of fulfilling their electoral promises. Second, the citizens who reside mostly in the rural communities where many tensions between the traditional and modern democratic leadership structures are taking place. Third, providers of civic education whose duty it is to educate the populace on the democratic governance processes and structures. Inadequate civic education resulted in a disjuncture between citizens and democratic governance structures. Recommendations emerging from this analysis include the need for effective civic education, which to bridge the gap between traditional and modern practices.

Description

Keywords

CIVIL SOCIETY, LESOTHO, EDUCATION, ELECTORAL SYSTEMS, GOVERNANCE, POPULAR PARTICIPATION, RURAL COMMUNITIES, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, DEMOCRATIZATION, CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS, BASOTHO PEOPLE, CIVIC EDUCATION

Citation

Ngozwana, N. (2014). Brief 1 : Enhancing democracy in Lesotho through civic Education. UPEACE Africa Policy Series, 1(2): 13-22.

DOI