24 Oct 2024

Botswana, one of Africa’s oldest continuous multiparty democracy, is well primed to hold free and fair general elections on October 30, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has confirmed.

President Masisi confirmed the country’s preparedness for the elections when receiving at his office, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observer Mission, which is in the country to observe the national polls.

“This is an election of constituency-based Members of Parliament, which has been delineated according to our relevant statutes. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has engaged all the political parties participating as well as the independent candidates. Botswana remains Botswana, the beacon of free, transparent democratic elections,” Dr Masisi said.

He further said Botswana’s elections would be guided by the country’s constitutional dictates and electoral law, and would yield a credible national leadership that reflected the will of the majority of registered voters.

“There are some who will prevail defined by the returning officer for the Presidential poll, who is the Chief Justice. The threshold is 31 seats. If any party crosses that they will be declared the winner in terms of the law. If there is no simple majority, the constitution is clear, so there is no anxiety. I am also a contestant, and I am more than ready to handover if anyone else wins,” Dr Masisi said.

Notwithstanding the challenge that took place over the past weekend where a shortage of voting material was identified during the advance voting for those who will be working on the election day, President Masisi believes a smooth election would ensue on October 30.

“We had a slight mishap with the advance voting, but thankfully the IEC were fair and transparent enough to admit, come out public with what happened and find a remedy to ensure those affected would not be disenfranchised. They have assured all parties concerned that on the actual polling day October 30 they would be ready,” President Masisi said.

He said in addition to the preparedness of the IEC, government was ready to assist with any resources necessary to ensure  smooth elections.

“From our side in government, we have made every resource available as per the demands of the IEC, be it vehicles or logistical arrangements. If for instance, since we have gone into a rainy season, if there is a storm and some areas become hard to reach, we have got air support available to assist those conducting the polls. We are very keen to ensure the poll is free, fair, independent and transparent,” Dr Masisi said.

He extended a warm hand of welcome to the SADC Observer Mission, saying the team would be assured to work in a safe and free environment. 

He encouraged them to speak to various stakeholders, including the media.

“Botswana is a member of SADC, the organisation headquarters are here, and as a country we subscribe to the ideals of SADC fully. Part of the work of SADC is to peer review and counsel member countries and Botswana is no exception. So when we have our elections, we expect you to come and act in full freedom of the task you undertake and our job is to ensure the convenience of doing your job freely,” Dr Masisi said.

The head of the observer mission, Mr Mizengo Pinda, who is the former Prime Minister of Tanzania, said his team had commenced their work but from their initial interactions with stakeholders had a positive view of the country’s readiness for the elections.

“Generally in terms of the preparedness for the election, the different people we have met thus far, are mostly speaking almost the same language, of readiness. When we met the IEC, we looked at different items to make sure that the institution has managed to work properly. From what we have gathered, they have done their best, and what remains is to see how the elections will proceed,” Mr Pinda said.

He commended Botswana for being a country that had risen from being one of the poorest in the world at independence, to being an upper middle income country.

“That is a big step, few African countries have managed to reach that stage. Diamonds have made a big contribution, but ensuring that they are used for the interest of the people requires good leadership, and Botswana being strong on the anti-corruption indices, you see what follows. So you deserve a pat on the back. Also, Botswana has remained a very peaceful country, through all these elections to date, and we hope things continue to go smoothly,” Mr Pinda pronounced.

Mr Pinda was accompanied by a delegation of 10 people including SADC executive secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, fellow members of the SADC Observer Mission including senior politicians and diplomats from Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia, as well as officers from the SADC headquarters. ends