• 9. Presentation of Information and Utilisation of Multiple Fora
  

9. Presentation of Information and Utilisation of Multiple Fora

page number of print edition: 17

In a modern society, the population arranges itself not only on the basis of gender, age or primordial/family relationships but also on the basis of such other interests as colleagues at work, schoolmates, team-mates, churchgoers, social club membership, etc. It is crucial that the leader undertakes research on the socio-economic anatomy of his constituents, compiles information and presents it not only in a format that suits the different population categories but also in a manner appropriate to each forum e.g., public meetings/freedom square, closed meetings/debates, newspaper, radio and television, etc.

The points raised in this booklet will not be useful if at the end of the day the representative does not know how, what, where, to whom and when to present information. In a single-member constituency/ward system, such as Botswana's, the representative can not be effective unless he/she keeps in touch with the different sections of the constituency/ward and utilises them as sources of information and guidance. Leaders should avoid becoming paternalistic. Instead they should see themselves as facilitators. That is, they should see themselves as creating conditions for people's participation in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.