DECEPTIVE DEMOCRACY International accolades on Botswana’s shining democracy questioned
Since the first national elections in 1965, which were won by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the opposition has to date, dismissed the elections as being unfair as they are permanently rigged, thanks to the eversloping playing field.
The loud cries notwithstanding, Botswana has been internationally acclaimed as a model of democracy. The positive assessment of Botswana democratic record internationally, according to political analysts, likely comes from the fact that, not only has the country held its elections regularly but the elections have been free of violence. Botswana is unlike many countries both in Africa and beyond where elections are almost always accompanied by violence. The fact that Botswana has never had political prisoners, has given the impression that the country is a true democracy. Nor has anybody ever taken refuge somewhere on account of his or her political beliefs and activism. The fact that since independence, Botswana has held 12 peaceful
elections is, to many, another indication that elections in Botswana are free and fair suggesting that, its democracy is in the process of consolidation. Opposition politicians however, argue that a closer assessment shows that Botswana’s electoral competition is deceptive and that there is a deficit of competitive elections, a key requisite for the consolidation of democracy. Critics insist that Botswana’s electoral process does not satisfy international standards of free and fair elections.
Botswana is not a haven of democracy as is generally believed especially by outsiders, say observers. According to Themba Joina of the Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin (MELS), funding of political parties by government and the private sector through the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is one of the steps that the country needs to establish an even political field. “In other words, a fair election happens only when all the participants are competing at the same level especially with respect
to resources and media coverage of the competing parties. For example, while ruling party officials can hold Kgotla meetings, ostensibly to consult the community on matters of interest to them, their opposition counterparts do not have the luxury to do so. “Curiously, the meetings are held more towards the elections. The Opposition is not allowed to hold such meetings,” protested Joina, who feels that perhaps the Kgotla has lost relevance, “especially that the ruling party uses it as a freedom square.”
According to Dr Prince Dibeela of the Botswana Labour Party (BLP), which is part of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), “The BDP will not introduce any reforms that seek to achieve a level playing field. “Instead, it will do everything that will disadvantage the opposition. Under the circumstances, a desperate opposition will ask for assistance from shady characters including those from outside Botswana. This is because giving up the struggle is not an option for the opposition,” Dr Dibeela said.The BLP leader is not happy that the IEC is appointed by cabinet and not by parliament. “We still have a long way to go. Meanwhile, Btv, Radio Botswana as well as government vehicles, have been used for campaign purposes by the government party at the expense of the opposition,” Dr Dibeela complained. Some political observers however believe that despite the uneven playing field in which the opposition often finds itself playing, the opposition can win elections as long as the activists are willing and able to adapt to the circumstances.