Botswana is a unitary state with a multi-party parliamentary system, an executive presidency, and executive machinery dominated by a cabinet of ministers chaired by the president. Since independence Botswana has exhibited strong elements of democracy - accountability of government to the electorate through regular free elections held every five years, relatively uncorrupt bureaucracy accountable to government, government and judicial respect for human rights and the rule of law, and the economic underpinning of increasing resources distributed through government.
Ultimate sovereignty is vested in parliament through the presidency.
There is also a House of Chiefs, with an advisory role on matters of legislation pertaining to 'tribal' law and custom. For human rights see Ditshwanelo Centre for Human Rights . The constitution was amended in 1970 so that the president would no longer be an elected member of parliament standing for a constituency. Instead the president would be automatically elected as an ex-officio member and as president in parliamentary elections after prior nomination by the party with the majority of members elected. The president is assisted by a vice-president.