Botswana’s electoral body warns opposition about rigging claims.
0
0
GABORONE, BOTSWANA — As Botswana prepares for its upcoming general election on October 30, tensions are rising between the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and opposition parties. The electoral body has warned opposition leaders against making what it describes as “reckless” allegations of election rigging. Despite these warnings, some opposition figures remain firm in their accusations, claiming there are active plans to manipulate the vote.
IEC Dismisses Claims of Fraudulent Voter Registration
Osupile Maroba, the IEC’s chief public relations officer, has responded strongly to accusations that the electoral roll includes names of deceased individuals. Maroba labeled these claims as not only false but also disrespectful and absurd. He emphasized that the electoral process is transparent and that allegations of fraud are baseless.
“The claims that dead people’s names are on the voter roll are unfounded and absurd. These statements disrespect the integrity of our electoral process,” Maroba stated, urging all political parties to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Opposition Alleges Election Rigging Involves Foreign Collaboration
Despite the IEC’s rejection of the allegations, Moeti Mohwasa, spokesperson for the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), insisted his party has credible information about plans to rig the election. Mohwasa went further by accusing the IEC of collaborating with authorities in neighboring Zimbabwe to execute the rigging.
“The IEC is working in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to assist it in the game they master most — cheating in elections,” Mohwasa claimed. He further alleged that Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organization is working with Botswana’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security to ensure a manipulated outcome.
According to Mohwasa, the Umbrella for Democratic Change plans to take action and will petition the Zimbabwean Embassy in Gaborone over these concerns in the coming week.
Botswana Congress Party Voices Similar Concerns
The Botswana Congress Party (BCP), while not part of the opposition coalition, has also voiced concerns about potential irregularities in the upcoming election. BCP spokesperson Mpho Pheko echoed the apprehensions over the transparency of the voting process, particularly regarding how votes are counted.
“The BCP has always held the position that elections in Botswana are free but not fair,” Pheko said, highlighting the party’s concerns about the transportation of ballot boxes for counting. Pheko pointed out that BCP President Dumelang Saleshando previously proposed a motion in parliament to change the law, so ballots would be counted at the polling stations where they were cast. However, the motion was rejected by the majority, who preferred the current system of transporting ballot boxes for counting.
Ruling Party Dismisses Allegations as Desperation
On the other side of the debate, Kgalalelo Kentse, a representative of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), dismissed the opposition’s claims as unfounded. Kentse characterized the accusations as a sign of desperation, pointing out that similar allegations were made during the 2019 elections but were never substantiated in court.
“The opposition raised these same claims during the last election in 2019, but they were unable to prove them in any court of law,” Kentse said, reaffirming the ruling party’s confidence in a free and fair election.
Expert Weighs in on Electoral Management in Africa
Adding an international perspective, Burundi-based electoral expert Raphael Bindariye, program manager of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, spoke on the broader issue of election rigging concerns across Africa. Bindariye, who has experience working as an electoral officer in various United Nations missions across the continent, explained that these concerns often stem from how electoral bodies are structured and managed.
“In Africa, the issue is often about how impartial and independent the electoral management bodies are,” Bindariye said. “The question is, who sets them up, and where do they get their resources from? Generally, it is the government, often the ruling party, that holds the financial and administrative power.”
This lack of perceived independence can lead to widespread concerns among opposition parties, who feel disadvantaged by the ruling party’s influence over national resources and electoral systems.
Early Voting Begins for Certain Groups Ahead of Election Day
In the lead-up to the general election, more than 2,000 Botswanan citizens living abroad, along with local election officials and police, are set to cast their votes this Saturday. These early voters include election personnel who will be on duty during the main election day. The remaining 1 million eligible local voters will head to the polls on October 30.
Election Stakes High Amid Rising Tensions
With only days left before Botswana’s general election, the political atmosphere is charged, and the stakes are high. Allegations of rigging, counterclaims of desperation, and concerns over the impartiality of electoral bodies continue to fuel the debate. The IEC has called for calm and respect for the process, but opposition leaders remain skeptical about the transparency and fairness of the election.
The international community, including election observers from the Commonwealth and other global organizations, will be closely monitoring the situation as Botswana heads to the polls. How the election unfolds will likely have long-lasting implications for the country’s democratic standing and political stability.
About Author
