Calls for more electoral reforms grow louder

Calls by the opposition for electoral changes in the country’s electoral processes persist to this day as the opposition insists that instead of embarking on any far-reaching overhauling of the system, the Botswana government seems content with the minor electoral reforms it has thus far made. This is despite the myriad electoral reforms at the insistence of the opposition parties over the years since Botswana’s independence in 1965.

“The reforms are not sufficient. We continue to demand that the counting of votes be done at polling stations. Also, there should be equal access by all contestants to state media, as well as public funding of political parties.

“The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is also against the involvement of security agents in the conduct of elections. Finally, the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections should be implemented fully,” demanded the UDC Head of Communications, Moeti Mohwasa.

For the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), the reforms have not been sufficient.

“The electoral process is still skewed towards the ruling party that has often used state resources and apparatus to meet its electoral objectives,” the party’s Publicity Secretary Dr. Mpho Pheko responded in written form.

The BCP has also in the past agitated and tabled motions in parliament for political party funding by the state.

“That is a necessary reform for a free and fair election. We have recently seen the dangers of the absence of state funding of political parties where private interests are sponsoring parties to capture the state,” the BCP spokesperson said.

The BCP, she added, wants counting of ballots to be done at the voting places to ensure security of the ballots. “Further, we want the use of the indelible ink to ensure one person one vote,” she said. For his part, the BDP spokesperson Banks Kentse, said that instead of accusing the ruling party, the opposition should make their proposals to parliament.

“That is what we will do if we as BDP see the need for reforms. I do not know if they have ever approached parliament with motions on the subject. Taking their concerns to rallies instead of parliament may not help their cause,”.

According to Member of Parliament (MP) for Maun, Dumelang Saleshando, the matter of electoral reforms was on the floor of parliament in June this year.

“It is typical of the BDP to reject opposition motions. They have rejected the one calling for the counting of ballot papers at the voting stations. We know they will reject direct election for the President,” Saleshando said in an interview.