Botswana’s Election Integrity in the Spotlight Amid Accusations

With Botswana’s elections fast approaching, the electoral atmosphere is heating up. Tensions are rising between the ruling party and opposition forces, as accusations of rigging swirl through political circles.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Botswana has firmly dismissed claims of foul play, labeling them irresponsible and without evidence. Allegations that the voters’ roll includes deceased individuals have been met with strong denials. Despite the electoral commission’s rebuttal, opposition groups continue to push these claims.

Moeti Mohwasa, representing the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), has taken the criticism a step further. He argues that the electoral body is not only complicit but has enlisted the help of Zimbabwean authorities, who he says have experience in manipulating elections. The claim that Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organization is involved has added a serious dimension to the accusations, reflecting a deep distrust between the opposition and the ruling establishment.

This sentiment is not isolated. The Botswana Congress Party (BCP), which operates independently from the UDC, echoes concerns about potential irregularities. The party has long argued that while Botswana’s elections may appear free, they are far from fair. Mpho Pheko, BCP’s spokesperson, pointed out that the party had previously pushed for legislative reforms to ensure that votes are counted where they are cast, but the proposal was blocked by the majority.

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), however, has strongly condemned the opposition’s allegations. Party representative Kgalalelo Kentse dismissed these claims as baseless and reflective of political desperation. According to the BDP, similar accusations were made in the 2019 election cycle, yet none were proven in court. This narrative suggests that, for the ruling party, the opposition is attempting to sow doubt to compensate for electoral weaknesses.

Election manipulation claims in Africa have been a persistent theme across several nations. Burundi-based Raphael Bindariye, who manages programs at the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, offered insights on the broader context.

He highlights how the setup and management of electoral bodies often determine the trustworthiness of election outcomes. According to Bindariye, when electoral commissions are closely tied to the government, concerns about fairness are inevitable.

It’s this backdrop that creates a fragile atmosphere leading into Botswana’s October 30 elections. Trust in the electoral system remains a central issue for many voters, and the commission’s efforts to reassure the public have not entirely quelled suspicions. As Botswana prides itself on a democratic tradition, the mounting skepticism from the opposition and civil society may indicate deeper challenges ahead.

On the ground, over 2,000 Botswana citizens living abroad and other key stakeholders, including election officials and police, are casting their ballots early. Meanwhile, the rest of the 1 million-plus registered voters will have to wait until election day to make their voices heard.

While the IEC and the ruling party may dismiss the opposition’s accusations as routine political maneuvering, the gravity of the claims cannot be overlooked. Election integrity remains a cornerstone of democracy, and even the perception of impropriety can have lasting consequences. Botswana’s democratic institutions are being tested, and the outcome of this election could set a precedent for how future disputes over the nation’s electoral process are managed.

In a political climate increasingly defined by mistrust, how Botswana’s electoral commission handles these accusations will shape the public’s confidence in the democratic process. There is more at stake than just the result of this election—it’s about preserving the very fabric of the country’s democratic identity. Whether or not these claims hold any merit, they reveal a significant gap between opposition expectations and the current structure of electoral oversight.

The Zim Bulletin